Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 16, 2026
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
Association of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Toll-Like Receptor 3-Mediated Immune Response with COPD Exacerbation
Daishun Liu1, Qian Chen2, Honglan Zhu2
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, the First People's Hospital of Zunyi, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical College, Institute of Respiratory Diseases in Zunyi, Zunyi, Guizhou, 563002, China. ldslwtg@126.com.
Abstract:
The objective of the study is to explore the role of respiratory syncytial virus Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3)-mediated immune response in the pathogenesis of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). A total of 20 AECOPD patients and 10 normal volunteers were studied. TLR3 was detected by RT-PCR, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was detected by nested RT-PCR. Then, A549 cells were infected by RSV at different time points and at different viral titers. TLR3 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR, the protein of TLR3 and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) were detected by western blot, and IRF3 protein localization was detected by immunofluorescence. Interferon-β (IFN-β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were detected by ELISA. A total of 4 (20%) of the 20 AECOPD patients sampled were infected with RSV. The forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) percentage was lower in the AECOPD patients infected with RSV compared to those not infected (P = 0.03). The expression of IL-6 in the two groups was diametrically opposite (P = 0.04). The AECOPD group (n = 20) showed an increase in TLR3 mRNA compared with that of the control group (n = 10) (P = 0.02). The RSV-infected AECOPD group (n = 4) showed an obvious increase in TLR3 mRNA compared with that of the control group (P = 0.03). There was a significant correlation between severity of reduction in lung function at exacerbation and the increasing expression of TLR3 in AECOPD patients. The TLR3 signaling pathway was activated in lung epithelial cells. TLR3 mRNA/protein levels were increased in A549 infected with RSV compared with those of the control group. IRF3 protein also increased along with the occurrence of nuclear transfer in A549 infected with RSV. IFN-β and IL-6 were also increased in the RSV-infected A549 cells compared with those of the control (P = 0.00 and 0.00, respectively). Increased TLR3 expression in AECOPD patients is associated with declining lung function. TLR3 may be a risk factor for RSV-infected AECOPD patients.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:20COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
01:25Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
01:31Common Respiratory Disorders
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,...
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma