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The Interaction between Respiratory Pathogens and Mucus

Mark Zanin1, Pradyumna Baviskar1, Robert Webster1

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.

Cell Host & Microbe
|February 12, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Respiratory mucus acts as a barrier against inhaled pathogens. This review highlights mucus as a key factor influencing influenza virus transmissibility and host specificity.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • The respiratory tract is protected by a mucus layer, a crucial first line of defense against inhaled pathogens.
  • The complex interactions between respiratory mucus, host factors, and pathogens are not fully understood.
  • Mucus plays diverse roles in host defense and pathogen interaction within the respiratory system.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current knowledge on respiratory mucus and its interactions with key respiratory pathogens.
  • To focus on the role of mucus in the transmissibility and host-range specificity of influenza viruses.
  • To propose mucus as a significant, yet understudied, host-restriction factor for influenza virus.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on respiratory mucus and pathogens.
  • Analysis of studies focusing on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respiratory syncytial virus, and influenza viruses.
  • Synthesis of findings related to mucus's impact on viral transmissibility and host specificity.

Main Results:

  • Respiratory mucus serves as a critical barrier, preventing pathogen invasion and infection.
  • Mucus exhibits multifaceted interactions with both the host and invading pathogens.
  • Specific focus on influenza viruses reveals mucus's influence on their spread and host adaptation.

Conclusions:

  • Respiratory mucus is a vital component of the host defense system in the respiratory tract.
  • Understanding mucus-pathogen interactions is essential for comprehending respiratory infections.
  • Respiratory mucus is proposed as a significant, under-explored factor limiting influenza virus infection and spread.

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