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Pneumonia virus of mice: severe respiratory infection in a natural host

Helene F Rosenberg1, Joseph B Domachowske

  • 1Laboratory of Allergic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. hrosenberg@niaid.nih.gov

Immunology Letters
|May 13, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Pneumonia virus of mice (PVM) infection causes severe respiratory illness by triggering inflammation. Immunomodulatory strategies show promise in reducing PVM-induced morbidity and mortality in mice.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Pneumonia virus of mice (PVM) is a mouse pathogen related to human RSV.
  • PVM replicates robustly in bronchial epithelial cells, inducing inflammation.
  • PVM infection can lead to severe respiratory compromise and death.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent studies on PVM infection in mice.
  • To understand the role of inflammation in severe respiratory virus infections.
  • To highlight acquired immune responses and therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent studies utilizing the PVM mouse model.
  • Analysis of inflammatory cytokine production (MIP-1alpha, MIP-2, MCP-1, IFNgamma).
  • Investigation of T cell and humoral immune responses.

Main Results:

  • PVM infection induces robust viral replication and local cytokine production.
  • Inflammatory responses and granulocyte recruitment contribute to pathogenesis.
  • Acquired immune responses, including T cell and humoral immunity, are elucidated.

Conclusions:

  • The PVM model provides insights into severe respiratory virus pathogenesis.
  • Immunomodulatory strategies successfully reduced PVM-induced morbidity and mortality in mice.
  • These strategies hold promise for treating human respiratory virus infections.

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