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Updated: May 20, 2026

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
09:01

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Published on: December 10, 2013

Pharyngeal microflora disruption by antibiotics promotes airway hyperresponsiveness after respiratory syncytial virus

Ke Ni1, Simin Li, Qiuling Xia

  • 1Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.

Plos One
|July 31, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Antibiotic treatment after respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection reduced beneficial pharyngeal bacteria, leading to increased airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and decreased regulatory T cells (Treg cells). This suggests a link between gut microbiota and immune responses.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) are crucial for managing immune responses to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection.
  • Pharyngeal commensal bacteria, like Streptococcus, promote Treg cells.
  • The impact of antibiotic-induced disruption of pharyngeal microflora on airway responsiveness and immune responses post-RSV infection remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of antibiotic treatment on pharyngeal microflora.
  • To assess the impact of antibiotic treatment on airway responsiveness and immune responses after RSV infection in mice.

Main Methods:

  • Female BALB/c mice were infected with RSV and treated with oral antibiotics or water.
  • Pharyngeal microflora changes were analyzed.
  • Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), pulmonary histopathology, and Treg cell responses were evaluated.
  • Gene expression (Foxp3) and cytokine levels (IL-10, TGF-β1) were measured.

Main Results:

  • Antibiotic treatment effectively cleared Streptococcus from the pharynx.
  • RSV-infected mice treated with antibiotics exhibited increased AHR.
  • A decrease in pulmonary Treg cells, Foxp3 mRNA, and TGF-β1 was observed in antibiotic-treated mice.
  • Similar effects were noted in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AHR models.

Conclusions:

  • Antibiotic treatment following RSV infection eradicates key pharyngeal commensal bacteria.
  • This disruption may lead to increased airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR).
  • Antibiotic treatment is associated with a reduction in pulmonary Treg cells after RSV infection.

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