Respiratory syncytial virus infection: an innate perspective

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 8, 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

8.4K

Cecilia Johansson1

  • 1Respiratory Infections Section, St Mary's campus, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK.

F1000Research
|January 21, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes severe illness in infants, often due to immune system overreactions. Understanding this immune response is key to preventing severe RSV disease and hospitalizations.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of infant hospitalizations and severe lower respiratory tract infections.
  • While risk factors like prematurity exist, severe RSV disease can affect healthy infants.
  • The precise mechanisms driving severe RSV disease remain unclear, but immune system dysregulation is suspected.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent findings on the immune response during RSV infection.
  • To explore the balance between effective viral clearance and immunopathology.
  • To understand factors contributing to severe RSV disease in infants and adults.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent discoveries in RSV immunology.
  • Analysis of immune cell recruitment and activation pathways.
  • Examination of host-pathogen interactions in RSV infection.

Main Results:

  • RSV infection can trigger an excessive immune response, leading to tissue damage.
  • Both innate and adaptive immune cells play a role in RSV immunopathology.
  • The immune system's dual role in clearing the virus while potentially causing harm is highlighted.

Conclusions:

  • Dysregulated immune responses contribute significantly to severe RSV disease.
  • Further research into immune modulation could lead to better treatments for RSV.
  • Balancing immune clearance and preventing immunopathology is crucial for managing RSV infections.

Keywords:
RSVimmune response to RSVimmune-mediated virus clearanceimmunopathologylower respiratory diseaserespiratory syncytial virus

More Related Videos

Generation, Amplification, and Titration of Recombinant Respiratory Syncytial Viruses11:48

Generation, Amplification, and Titration of Recombinant Respiratory Syncytial Viruses

Published on: April 4, 2019

17.4K
Contact-Free Co-Culture Model for the Study of Innate Immune Cell Activation During Respiratory Virus Infection07:36

Contact-Free Co-Culture Model for the Study of Innate Immune Cell Activation During Respiratory Virus Infection

Published on: February 28, 2021

3.5K

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology01:29

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
3.7K
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens01:29

Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens

The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
2.3K
Common Respiratory Disorders01:31

Common Respiratory Disorders

Respiratory disorders, a prevalent health concern globally, are generally divided into two primary categories: upper and lower respiratory tract disorders. The categorization is based on the area of the respiratory system they affect.
Upper respiratory disorders impact the airways above the vocal cords, encompassing areas like the nose, sinuses, and throat. Various conditions fall under this category, including the common cold and allergic rhinitis. These disorders can stem from several causes,...
1.7K
Introduction to Innate and Adaptive Immunity01:21

Introduction to Innate and Adaptive Immunity

The human immune system is a complex defense mechanism that protects the body from harmful pathogens and foreign substances. It comprises two crucial components: innate and adaptive immunity.
Innate immunity is the body's natural, nonspecific defense system that acts quickly to protect against pathogens. It incorporates physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes and cellular elements such as phagocytes and natural killer cells. This part of our immune system provides an immediate,...
10.8K
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
1.2K
Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis01:23

Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis

Cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive disorder, significantly affects the function of exocrine glands. This genetically inherited disease is characterized by the production of thick and sticky mucus, which can severely affect various organs and systems in the body.
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation,...
973