The induction and consequences of Influenza A virus-induced cell death

Infection with Influenza A virus (IAV) causes significant cell death within the upper and lower respiratory tract and lung parenchyma. In severe infections, high levels of cell death can exacerbate inflammation and comprise the integrity of the epithelial cell barrier leading to respiratory failure. IAV infection of airway and alveolar epithelial cells promotes immune cell infiltration into the lung and therefore, immune cell types such as macrophages, monocytes and neutrophils are readily exposed to IAV and infection-induced death. Although the induction of cell death through apoptosis and necrosis following IAV infection is a well-known phenomenon, the molecular determinants responsible for inducing cell death is not fully understood. Here, we review the current understanding of IAV-induced cell death and critically evaluate the consequences of cell death in aiding either the restoration of lung homoeostasis or the progression of IAV-induced lung pathologies.