The immunology of influenza virus-associated bacterial pneumonia. (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Robinson, Keven M; Kolls, Jay K; Alcorn, John F
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in immunology. Volume 34(2015)
• Page Start: 59
• Page End: 67
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: Immunology -- Periodicals; Allergy -- Periodicals; Immunology -- Abstracts -- Periodicals; Allergy -- Abstracts -- Periodicals; 616.079
• DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2015.02.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0952-7915

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Influenza complicated by bacterial infection increases morbidity and mortality. Preceding influenza causes defects in antibacterial phagocyte function. Preceding influenza attenuates antibacterial antimicrobial peptide production. Preceding influenza causes defects in lymphocyte-mediated immunity. Genetic mutations can predispose to both viral and bacterial infections. Abstract : Infection with influenza virus has been a significant cause of morbidity and mortality for more than a hundred years. Severe disease and increased mortality often results from bacterial super-infection of patients with influenza virus infection. Preceding influenza infection alters the host's innate and adaptive immune responses, allowing increased susceptibility to secondary bacterial pneumonia. Recent advances in the field have helped to define how influenza alters the immune response to bacteria through the dysregulation of phagocytes, antimicrobial peptides, and lymphocytes. Viral-induced interferons play a key role in altering the phenotype of the immune response. Potential genetic modifiers of disease will help to define additional immunologic mechanisms that predispose to viral, bacterial super-infection with the overarching goal of developing effective therapeutic strategies to prevent and treat disease.