Respiratory viral infections: knowledge based therapeutics

Lung viral infections continue to kill millions of people worldwide. Virus-specific properties, replication kinetics and longevity affect the subsequent vigour of innate and adaptive immunity, which contribute to clinical manifestations. The point at which lung innate immunity activates is different between individuals and is determined by age, genetics, underlying conditions and infection history. On resolution of virus-induced lung disease an 'altered state of homeostasis' exists that in turn affects the next antigenic challenge. The last two years has produced a plethora of studies on the resolution of inflammatory lung disease; highlighting potential for immune modulation. In the future a more precise etiological diagnosis, combined with a knowledge of co-morbidities and an immune signature will lead to the development of more specifically targeted therapeutics.