ER Stress, UPR Activation and the Inflammatory Response to Viral Infection

The response to invading pathogens such as viruses is orchestrated by pattern recognition receptor (PRR) and unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling, which intersects and converges in the activation of proinflammatory pathways and the release of cytokines and chemokines that harness the immune system in the attempt to clear microbial infection. Despite this protective intent, the inflammatory response, particularly during viral infection, may be too intense or last for too long, whereby it becomes the cause of organ or systemic diseases itself. This suggests that a better understanding of the mechanisms that regulate this complex process is needed in order to achieve better control of the side effects that inflammation may cause while potentiating its protective role. The use of specific inhibitors of the UPR sensors or PRRs or the downstream pathways activated by their signaling could offer the opportunity to reach this goal and improve the outcome of inflammation-based diseases associated with viral infections.