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Updated: May 30, 2026
07:07
Evaluation of T Follicular Helper Cells and Germinal Center Response During Influenza A Virus Infection in Mice
Published on: June 27, 2020
Immunomodulatory therapy for severe influenza.
Ilyse Darwish1, Samira Mubareka, W Conrad Liles
1Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, McLaughlin-Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy
|August 4, 2011
Summary
Severe influenza causes significant mortality. This review explores immunomodulatory therapies, like cytokine storm inhibitors and stem cell treatments, to improve outcomes by targeting the host
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Influenza A virus is a major global health threat, causing significant morbidity and mortality.
- Severe influenza is characterized by a hyperinflammatory response, termed a cytokine storm.
- Current antiviral treatments have limitations in managing severe disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review limitations of current antiviral strategies for influenza.
- To present evidence for immunomodulatory therapy targeting host response in severe influenza.
- To discuss investigational immunomodulatory agents and novel therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of influenza pathogenicity and therapeutic strategies.
- Analysis of experimental data on immunomodulatory agents.
- Evaluation of host-directed therapies for severe influenza.
Main Results:
- Current antivirals are insufficient for severe influenza.
- Immunomodulatory therapies show promise in targeting hyperinflammation.
- Investigational agents include anti-TNF, statins, glucocorticoids, and others.
Conclusions:
- Targeting the host inflammatory response is crucial for improving outcomes in severe influenza.
- Mesenchymal stromal cells and angiopoietin-1 offer potential therapeutic avenues.
- Further research into host-directed therapies is warranted.
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