Interferons—Implications in the Immune Response to Respiratory Viruses
Harrison C. Bergeron, Matthew R. Hansen, Ralph A. Tripp
Abstract
Interferons (IFN) are an assemblage of signaling proteins made and released by various host cells in response to stimuli, including viruses. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza virus, and SARS-CoV-2 are major causes of respiratory disease that induce or antagonize IFN responses depending on various factors. In this review, the role and function of type I, II, and III IFN responses to respiratory virus infections are considered. In addition, the role of the viral proteins in modifying anti-viral immunity is noted, as are the specific IFN responses that underly the correlates of immunity and protection from disease.
Topics & Concepts
Immune systemInterferonVirusRespiratory systemImmunologyImmunityVirologyBiologyInfluenza A virusDiseaseMedicineAnatomyPathologyRespiratory viral infections researchinterferon and immune responsesViral Infections and Vectors