Programmed cell death in human respiratory syncytial virus infection

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Viral infections trigger diverse host cell death pathways, with programmed cell death (PCD) being central to pathogenesis.
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection pathogenesis is critically regulated by PCD.
• Understanding RSV's modulation of PCD is crucial for disease management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the mechanisms and pathological significance of main PCD pathways in RSV infection.
• To deepen the understanding of how RSV regulates PCD.
• To identify potential therapeutic strategies for RSV-related diseases.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review was conducted across major academic databases (Elsevier, PubMed, Springer, Google Scholar, Web of Science).
• Studies related to RSV and PCD, published up to September 2025, were collected.
• Collected studies were categorized by PCD type and affected cell type.

Main Results:

• Five types of PCD were identified in RSV infection: apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, NETosis, and ferroptosis.
• Apoptosis is the most frequently regulated PCD pathway during RSV infection.
• Airway epithelial cells, macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells, lymphocytes, and neuronal cells undergo various PCD types, with airway epithelial cells being most commonly affected.

Conclusions:

• PCD is a central mediator in the host-cell interaction during RSV infection.
• The dual role of different PCD pathways in RSV pathogenesis requires further elucidation.
• Future research should explore novel PCD forms, RSV-PCD interactions, cross-regulatory mechanisms, and cell-type variability to develop targeted interventions.