Hong Kong Med J 2012;18(Suppl 2):S12-6
Interferon dysregulation and virus- induced cell death in avian influenza H5N1 virus infections
DCW Lee, AHY Law, K Hui, AHM Tam, JSM Peiris, ASY Lau
Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
1. Hyper-induction of cytokines and chemokines was found in human blood macrophages infected with the avian influenza H5N1 and H9N2/G1 viruses, as compared to those infected with human influenza H1N1 virus.
2. IRF3 played a significant role in the hyperinduction of cytokines including IFN-_, IFN-_1, IFN-_ subtypes, MCP-1, and TNF-_, and also played a part in subsequent cytokine-induced cell signalling cascades.
3. Compared with H1N1 viruses, avian influenza viruses including H5N1/97 and its precursors triggered a caspase-mediated but delayed apoptotic response in human macrophages.
4. Therapies that can minimise immunopathology-associated dysregulation of innate immunity without impairing effective host defence may be valuable adjuncts to antiviral therapy.
2. IRF3 played a significant role in the hyperinduction of cytokines including IFN-_, IFN-_1, IFN-_ subtypes, MCP-1, and TNF-_, and also played a part in subsequent cytokine-induced cell signalling cascades.
3. Compared with H1N1 viruses, avian influenza viruses including H5N1/97 and its precursors triggered a caspase-mediated but delayed apoptotic response in human macrophages.
4. Therapies that can minimise immunopathology-associated dysregulation of innate immunity without impairing effective host defence may be valuable adjuncts to antiviral therapy.