Respiratory syncytial virus fusion protein mediates inhibition of mitogen-induced T-cell proliferation by contact

Host Responses to Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections are a constant public health problem, especially in infants and older adults. Virtually all children will have been infected with RSV by the age of two, and reinfections are common throughout life. Since antigenic variation, which is frequently observed among other respiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 or influenza viruses, can only be observed for RSV to a limited extent, reinfections may result from short-term or incomplete immunity. After decades of research, two RSV vaccines were approved to prevent lower respiratory tract infections in older adults. Recently, the FDA approved a vaccine for active vaccination of pregnant women to prevent severe RSV disease in infants during their first RSV season. This review focuses on the host response to RSV infections mediated by epithelial cells as the first physical barrier, followed by responses of the innate and adaptive immune systems. We address possible RSV-mediated immunomodulatory and pathogenic mechanisms during infections and discuss the current vaccine candidates and alternative treatment options.

Impact of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection on Host Functions: Implications for Antiviral Strategies

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the leading causes of viral respiratory tract infection in infants, the elderly, and the immunocompromised worldwide, causing more deaths each year than influenza. Years of research into RSV since its discovery over 60 yr ago have elucidated detailed mechanisms of the host-pathogen interface. RSV infection elicits widespread transcriptomic and proteomic changes, which both mediate the host innate and adaptive immune responses to infection, and reflect RSV's ability to circumvent the host stress responses, including stress granule formation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, and programmed cell death. The combination of these events can severely impact on human lungs, resulting in airway remodeling and pathophysiology. The RSV membrane envelope glycoproteins (fusion F and attachment G), matrix (M) and nonstructural (NS) 1 and 2 proteins play key roles in modulating host cell functions to promote the infectious cycle. This review presents a comprehensive overview of how RSV impacts the host response to infection and how detailed knowledge of the mechanisms thereof can inform the development of new approaches to develop RSV vaccines and therapeutics.

Immune-Modulation by the Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus: Focus on Dendritic Cells

The human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is the leading cause of pneumonia in infants and produces a significant burden in the elderly. It can also infect and produce disease in otherwise healthy adults and recurrently infect those previously exposed to the virus. Importantly, recurrent infections are not necessarily a consequence of antigenic variability, as described for other respiratory viruses, but most likely due to the capacity of this virus to interfere with the host's immune response and the establishment of a protective and long-lasting immunity. Although some genes encoded by hRSV are known to have a direct participation in immune evasion, it seems that repeated infection is mainly given by its capacity to modulate immune components in such a way to promote non-optimal antiviral responses in the host. Importantly, hRSV is known to interfere with dendritic cell (DC) function, which are key cells involved in establishing and regulating protective virus-specific immunity. Notably, hRSV infects DCs, alters their maturation, migration to lymph nodes and their capacity to activate virus-specific T cells, which likely impacts the host antiviral response against this virus. Here, we review and discuss the most important and recent findings related to DC modulation by hRSV, which might be at the basis of recurrent infections in previously infected individuals and hRSV-induced disease. A focus on the interaction between DCs and hRSV will likely contribute to the development of effective prophylactic and antiviral strategies against this virus.

Aberrant T cell immunity triggered by human Respiratory Syncytial Virus and human Metapneumovirus infection

Human Respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) are the two major etiological viral agents of lower respiratory tract diseases, affecting mainly infants, young children and the elderly. Although the infection of both viruses trigger an antiviral immune response that mediate viral clearance and disease resolution in immunocompetent individuals, the promotion of long-term immunity appears to be deficient and reinfection are common throughout life. A possible explanation for this phenomenon is that hRSV and hMPV, can induce aberrant T cell responses, which leads to exacerbated lung inflammation and poor T and B cell memory immunity. The modulation of immune response exerted by both viruses include different strategies such as, impairment of immunological synapse mediated by viral proteins or soluble factors, and the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines by epithelial cells, among others. All these viral strategies contribute to the alteration of the adaptive immunity in order to increase the susceptibility to reinfections. In this review, we discuss current research related to the mechanisms underlying the impairment of T and B cell immune responses induced by hRSV and hMPV infection. In addition, we described the role each virulence factor involved in immune modulation caused by these viruses.

Respiratory syncytial virus induces phosphorylation of mTOR at ser2448 in CD8 T cells from nasal washes of infected infants

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-specific CD8(+) T cell responses do not protect against reinfection. Activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) impairs memory CD8(+) T cell differentiation. Our hypothesis was that RSV inhibits the formation of CD8(+) T cells memory responses through mTOR activation. To explore this, human and mouse T cells were used. RSV induced mTOR phosphorylation at Ser2448 in CD8 T cells. mTOR activation by RSV was completely inhibited using rapamycin. RSV-infected children presented higher mTOR gene expression on nasal washes comparing to children infected with metapneumovirus and rhinovirus. In addition, RSV-infected infants presented a higher frequency of CD8(+) pmTORser2448(+) T cells in nasal washes compared to RSV-negative infants. Rapamycin treatment increased the frequency of mouse CD8 RSV-M282-90 pentamer-positive T cells and the frequency of RSV-specific memory T cells precursors. These data demonstrate that RSV is activating mTOR directly in CD8 T cells, indicating a role for mTOR during the course of RSV infection.

Prophylaxis with a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) anti-G protein monoclonal antibody shifts the adaptive immune response to RSV rA2-line19F infection from Th2 to Th1 in BALB/c mice

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the single most important cause of serious lower respiratory tract infections in young children, yet no highly effective treatment or vaccine is available. In the present study, we investigated the effect of prophylactic treatment with the intact and F(ab')2 forms of an anti-G protein monoclonal antibody (MAb), 131-2G, on the humoral and cellular adaptive immune responses to RSV rA2-line19F (r19F) challenge in BALB/c mice. The F(ab')2 form of 131-2G does not decrease virus replication, but intact 131-2G does. The serum specimens for antibodies and spleen cells for memory T cell responses to RSV antigens were analyzed at 30, 45, 75, and 95 days postinfection (p.i.) with or without prior treatment with 131-2G. The ratios of Th2 to Th1 antibody isotypes at each time p.i indicated that both forms of MAb 131-2G shifted the subclass response from a Th2 (IgG1 and IgG2b) to a Th1 (IgG2A) bias. The ratio of IgG1 to IgG2A antibody titer was 3-fold to 10-fold higher for untreated than MAb-treated mice. There was also some increase in IgG (22% ± 13% increase) and neutralization (32% increase) in antibodies with MAb 131-2G prophylaxis at 75 days p.i. Treatment with 131-2G significantly (P ≤ 0.001) decreased the percentage of interleukin-4 (IL-4)-positive CD4 and CD8 cells in RSV-stimulated spleen cells at all times p.i., while the percentage of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) T cells significantly (P ≤ 0.001) increased ≥ 75 days p.i. The shift from a Th2- to a Th1-biased T cell response in treated compared to untreated mice likely was directed by the much higher levels of T-box transcription factor (T-bet) (≥ 45% versus <10%) in CD4 and CD8 T cells and lower levels of Gata-3 (≤ 2% versus ≥ 6%) in CD4 T cells in peptide-stimulated, day 75 p.i. spleen cells. These data show that the RSV G protein affects both humoral and cellular adaptive immune responses, and induction of 131-2G-like antibodies might improve the safety and long-term efficacy of an RSV vaccine.

IMPORTANCE

The data in this report suggest that the RSV G protein not only contributes to disease but also dampens the host immune response to infection. Both effects of G likely contribute to difficulties in achieving an effective vaccine. The ability of MAb 131-2G to block these effects of G suggests that inducing antibodies similar to 131-2G should prevent disease and enhance the adaptive immune response with later RSV infection. The fact that 131-2G binds to the 13-amino-acid region conserved among all strains and that flanking sequences are conserved within group A or group B strains simplifies the task of developing a vaccine to induce 131-2G-like antibodies. If our findings in mice apply to humans, then including the 131-2G binding region of G in a vaccine should improve its safety and efficacy.

Protective efficacy and immunogenicity of a combinatory DNA vaccine against Influenza A Virus and the Respiratory Syncytial Virus

The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Influenza A Virus (IAV) are both two major causative agents of severe respiratory tract infections in humans leading to hospitalization and thousands of deaths each year. In this study, we evaluated the immunogenicity and efficacy of a combinatory DNA vaccine in comparison to the single component vaccines against both diseases in a mouse model. Intramuscular electroporation with plasmids expressing the hemagglutinin (HA) of IAV and the F protein of RSV induced strong humoral immune responses regardless if they were delivered in combination or alone. In consequence, high neutralizing antibody titers were detected, which conferred protection against a lethal challenge with IAV. Furthermore, the viral load in the lungs after a RSV infection could be dramatically reduced in vaccinated mice. Concurrently, substantial amounts of antigen-specific, polyfunctional CD8⁺ T-cells were measured after vaccination. Interestingly, the cellular response to the hemagglutinin was significantly reduced in the presence of the RSV-F encoding plasmid, but not vice versa. Although these results indicate a suppressive effect of the RSV-F protein, the protective efficacy of the combinatory vaccine was comparable to the efficacy of both single-component vaccines. In conclusion, the novel combinatory vaccine against RSV and IAV may have great potential to reduce the rate of severe respiratory tract infections in humans without increasing the number of necessary vaccinations.

Respiratory syncytial virus vaccine development

The importance of RSV as a respiratory pathogen in young children made it a priority for vaccine development shortly after it was discovered. Unfortunately, after over 50 years of vaccine development no vaccine has yet been licensed and it is not certain which if any vaccines being developed will be successful. The first candidate vaccine, a formalin inactivated RSV vaccine (FI-RSV), was tested in children in the 1960s and predisposed young recipients to more serious disease with later natural infection. The ongoing challenges in developing RSV vaccines are balanced by advances in our understanding of the virus, the host immune response to vaccines and infection, and pathogenesis of disease. It seems likely that with efficient and appropriately focused effort a safe and effective vaccine is within reach. There are at least 4 different target populations for an RSV vaccine, i.e. the RSV naïve young infant, the RSV naïve infant >4-6 months of age, pregnant women, and elderly adults. Each target population has different issues related to vaccine development. Numerous vaccines from live attenuated RSV to virus like particle vaccines have been developed and evaluated in animals. Very few vaccines have been studied in humans and studies in humans are needed to determine which vaccines are worth moving toward licensure. Some changes in the approach may improve the efficiency of evaluating candidate vaccines. The complexity of the challenges for developing RSV vaccines suggests that collaboration among academic, government, and funding institutions and industry is needed to most efficiently achieve an RSV vaccine.

The role of dendritic cells in innate and adaptive immunity to respiratory syncytial virus, and implications for vaccine development

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common human pathogen that causes cold-like symptoms in most healthy adults and children. However, RSV often moves into the lower respiratory tract in infants and young children predisposed to respiratory illness, making it the most common cause of pediatric broncheolitis and pneumonia. The development of an appropriate balanced immune response is critical for recovery from RSV, while an unbalanced and/or excessively vigorous response may lead to immunopathogenesis. Different dendritic cell (DC) subsets influence the magnitude and quality of the host response to RSV infection, with myeloid DCs mediating and plasmacytoid DCs modulating immunopathology. Furthermore, stimulation of DCs through Toll-like receptors is essential for induction of protective immunity to RSV. These characteristics have implications for the rational design of a RSV vaccine.

Progress in understanding and controlling respiratory syncytial virus: still crazy after all these years

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a ubiquitous pathogen that infects everyone worldwide early in life and is a leading cause of severe lower respiratory tract disease in the pediatric population as well as in the elderly and in profoundly immunosuppressed individuals. RSV is an enveloped, nonsegmented negative-sense RNA virus that is classified in Family Paramyxoviridae and is one of its more complex members. Although the replicative cycle of RSV follows the general pattern of the Paramyxoviridae, it encodes additional proteins. Two of these (NS1 and NS2) inhibit the host type I and type III interferon (IFN) responses, among other functions, and another gene encodes two novel RNA synthesis factors (M2-1 and M2-2). The attachment (G) glycoprotein also exhibits unusual features, such as high sequence variability, extensive glycosylation, cytokine mimicry, and a shed form that helps the virus evade neutralizing antibodies. RSV is notable for being able to efficiently infect early in life, with the peak of hospitalization at 2-3 months of age. It also is notable for the ability to reinfect symptomatically throughout life without need for significant antigenic change, although immunity from prior infection reduces disease. It is widely thought that re-infection is due to an ability of RSV to inhibit or subvert the host immune response. Mechanisms of viral pathogenesis remain controversial. RSV is notable for a historic, tragic pediatric vaccine failure involving a formalin-inactivated virus preparation that was evaluated in the 1960s and that was poorly protective and paradoxically primed for enhanced RSV disease. RSV also is notable for the development of a successful strategy for passive immunoprophylaxis of high-risk infants using RSV-neutralizing antibodies. Vaccines and new antiviral drugs are in pre-clinical and clinical development, but controlling RSV remains a formidable challenge.

Current progress on development of respiratory syncytial virus vaccine

Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is a major cause of upper and lower respiratory tract illness in infants and young children worldwide. Despite its importance as a respiratory pathogen, there is currently no licensed vaccine for prophylaxis of HRSV infection. There are several hurdles complicating the development of a RSV vaccine: 1) incomplete immunity to natural RSV infection leading to frequent re-infection, 2) immature immune system and maternal antibodies of newborn infants who are the primary subject population, and 3) imbalanced Th2-biased immune responses to certain vaccine candidates leading to exacerbated pulmonary disease. After the failure of an initial trial featuring formalin-inactivated virus as a RSV vaccine, more careful and deliberate efforts have been made towards the development of safe and effective RSV vaccines without vaccine-enhanced disease. A wide array of RSV vaccine strategies is being developed, including live-attenuated viruses, protein subunit-based, and vector-based candidates. Though licensed vaccines remain to be developed, our great efforts will lead us to reach the goal of attaining safe and effective RSV vaccines in the near future.

Both nonstructural proteins NS1 and NS2 of pneumonia virus of mice are inhibitors of the interferon type I and type III responses in vivo

Infection of mice with pneumonia virus of mice (PVM) provides a convenient experimental pathogenesis model in a natural host for a human respiratory syncytial virus-related virus. Extending our previous work showing that the PVM nonstructural (NS) proteins were pathogenicity factors in mice, we identify both the NS1 and NS2 proteins as antagonists of alpha/beta interferon (IFN-α/β) and IFN-λ by use of recombinant PVM (rPVM) with single and combined deletions of the NS proteins (ΔNS1, ΔNS2, and ΔNS1 ΔNS2). Wild-type and NS deletion PVMs were evaluated for growth and pathogenesis by infecting knockout mice that lack functional receptors to IFN-α/β, IFN-λ, or both. The absence of the receptor to IFN-α/β (IFNAR) or IFN-λ (interleukin-28 receptor α chain [IL-28Rα]) individually did not reverse the attenuated virulence of the NS deletion viruses although loss of IFNAR partially restored replication efficiency. When both receptors were deleted, replication and virulence were largely rescued for rPVM ΔNS1 and were significantly but not completely rescued for rPVM ΔNS2. As for rPVM ΔNS1 ΔNS2, the effect was mostly limited to partial enhancement of replication. This indicates that both IFN-α/β and IFN-λ contributed to restricting the NS deletion viruses, with the former playing the greater role. Interestingly, the replication and virulence of wild-type PVM were completely unaffected by the presence or absence of functional receptors to IFN-α/β and IFN-λ, indicating that both systems are strongly suppressed during infection. However, pretreatment of mice with IFN-α/β was protective against lethal rPVM challenge, whereas pretreatment with IFN-λ delayed but did not prevent disease and, in some cases, reduced mortality. The fact that virulence of rPVM lacking NS2 was not recovered completely when both interferon receptors were deleted suggests that NS2 may have further functions outside the IFN system.

Effects of human respiratory syncytial virus, metapneumovirus, parainfluenza virus 3 and influenza virus on CD4+ T cell activation by dendritic cells

Background

Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV), and to a lesser extent human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV3), re-infect symptomatically throughout life without antigenic change, suggestive of incomplete immunity. One causative factor is thought to be viral interference with dendritic cell (DC)-mediated stimulation of CD4+ T cells.

Methodology, Principal Findings

We infected human monocyte-derived DC with purified HRSV, HMPV, HPIV3, or influenza A virus (IAV) and compared their ability to induce activation and proliferation of autologous CD4+ T cells in vitro. IAV was included because symptomatic re-infection without antigenic change is less frequent, suggesting that immune protection is more complete and durable. We examined virus-specific memory responses and superantigen-induced responses by multiparameter flow cytometry. Live virus was more stimulatory than inactivated virus in inducing DC-mediated proliferation of virus-specific memory CD4+ T cells, suggesting a lack of strong suppression by live virus. There were trends of increasing proliferation in the order: HMPV<HRSV<HPIV3<IAV, and greater production of interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α by proliferating cells in response to IAV, but differences were not significant. Exposure of DC to HRSV, HPIV3, or IAV reduced CD4+ T cell proliferation in response to secondary stimulus with superantigen, but the effect was transitory and greatest for IAV. T cell cytokine production was similar, with no evidence of Th2 or Th17 skewing.

Conclusions, Significance

Understanding the basis for the ability of HRSV in particular to symptomatically re-infect without significant antigenic change is of considerable interest. The present results show that these common respiratory viruses are similar in their ability to induce DC to activate CD4+ T cells. Thus, the results do not support the common model in which viral suppression of CD4+ T cell activation and proliferation by HRSV, HMPV, and HPIV3 is a major factor in the difference in re-infectability compared to IAV.

Serum antibodies critically affect virus-specific CD4+/CD8+ T cell balance during respiratory syncytial virus infections

Following infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), reinfection in healthy individuals is common and presumably due to ineffective memory T cell responses. In peripheral blood of healthy adults, a higher CD4(+)/CD8(+) memory T cell ratio was observed compared with the ratio of virus-specific effector CD4(+)/CD8(+) T cells that we had found in earlier work during primary RSV infections. In mice, we show that an enhanced ratio of RSV-specific neutralizing to nonneutralizing Abs profoundly enhanced the CD4(+) T cell response during RSV infection. Moreover, FcγRs and complement factor C1q contributed to this Ab-mediated enhancement. Therefore, the increase in CD4(+) memory T cell response likely occurs through enhanced endosomal Ag processing dependent on FcγRs. The resulting shift in memory T cell response was likely amplified by suppressed T cell proliferation caused by RSV infection of APCs, a route important for Ag presentation via MHC class I molecules leading to CD8(+) T cell activation. Decreasing memory CD8(+) T cell numbers could explain the inadequate immunity during repeated RSV infections. Understanding this interplay of Ab-mediated CD4(+) memory T cell response enhancement and infection mediated CD8(+) memory T cell suppression is likely critical for development of effective RSV vaccines.

Respiratory syncytial virus infection in human bone marrow stromal cells

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common respiratory pathogen in infants and young children. The pathophysiology of this infection in the respiratory system has been studied extensively, but little is known about its consequences in other systems. We studied whether RSV infects human bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) in vitro and in vivo, and investigated whether and how this infection affects BMSC structure and hematopoietic support function. Primary human BMSCs were infected in vitro with recombinant RSV expressing green fluorescent protein. In addition, RNA from naive BMSCs was amplified by PCR, and the products were sequenced to confirm homology with the RSV genome. The BMSC cytoskeleton was visualized by immunostaining for actin. Finally, we analyzed infected BMSCs for the expression of multiple cytokines and chemokines, evaluated their hematopoietic support capacity, and measured their chemotactic activity for both lymphoid and myeloid cells. We found that BMSCs support RSV replication in vitro with efficiency that varies among cell lines derived from different donors; furthermore, RNA sequences homologous to the RSV genome were found in naive primary human BMSCs. RSV infection disrupted cytoskeletal actin microfilaments, altered cytokine/chemokine expression patterns, decreased the ability of BMSCs to support B cell maturation, and modulated local chemotaxis. Our data indicate that RSV infects human BMSCs in vitro, and this infection has important structural and functional consequences that might affect hematopoietic and immune functions. Furthermore, we have amplified viral RNA from naive primary BMSCs, suggesting that in vivo these cells provide RSV with an extrapulmonary target.

Quantitative proteomic analysis of A549 cells infected with human respiratory syncytial virus

Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is a major cause of pediatric lower respiratory tract disease to which there is no vaccine or efficacious chemotherapeutic strategy. Although RNA synthesis and virus assembly occur in the cytoplasm, HRSV is known to induce nuclear responses in the host cell as replication alters global gene expression. Quantitative proteomics was used to take an unbiased overview of the protein changes in transformed human alveolar basal epithelial cells infected with HRSV. Underpinning this was the use of stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture coupled to LC-MS/MS, which allowed the direct and simultaneous identification and quantification of both cellular and viral proteins. To reduce sample complexity and increase data return on potential protein localization, cells were fractionated into nuclear and cytoplasmic extracts. This resulted in the identification of 1,140 cellular proteins and six viral proteins. The proteomics data were analyzed using Ingenuity Pathways Analysis to identify defined canonical pathways and functional groupings. Selected data were validated using Western blot, direct and indirect immunofluorescence confocal microscopy, and functional assays. The study served to validate and expand upon known HRSV-host cell interactions, including those associated with the antiviral response and alterations in subnuclear structures such as the nucleolus and ND10 (promyelocytic leukemia bodies). In addition, novel changes were observed in mitochondrial proteins and functions, cell cycle regulatory molecules, nuclear pore complex proteins and nucleocytoplasmic trafficking proteins. These data shed light into how the cell is potentially altered to create conditions more favorable for infection. Additionally, the study highlights the application and advantage of stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture coupled to LC-MS/MS for the analysis of virus-host interactions.

Dendritic cells in viral bronchiolitis

Dendritic cells (DCs) are major antigen-presenting cells that constitute a link between innate and adaptive immune responses, and are critical in the processes of control and elimination of viral infections. On the other hand, there is a large body of data strongly implicating respiratory viruses in morbidity during infancy through the induction of lower respiratory tract infections, such as bronchiolitis, and later on in childhood and adult life, mainly due to their association with asthma exacerbations. Little is known, however, about the precise role of DCs in human respiratory tract infections. This review focuses on current data, both from in vivo and in vitro studies, that highlight the interplay between DCs and the viral causes of bronchiolitis.

Respiratory syncytial virus: immunopathology and control

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the primary cause of serious upper and lower respiratory tract infections in infants and children worldwide. RSV infection in infancy may lead to the onset of asthma or other health problems later in life. An effective vaccine is not yet available against RSV infection. Humans respond to RSV infection by mounting an immune response, but the antiviral immunity is incomplete, thus repeat RSV infections continue throughout life. The precise mechanism of RSV-induced infection and immunopathology remains unclear. The limited knowledge of RSV immunity is a major problem in designing a protective vaccine. In this review, the biology of RSV infection, its immunopathology, the role of innate and adaptive immunity, as well as the understanding of how to control RSV infection based on prophylactic and therapeutic approaches are discussed.

RS virus-induced inflammation and the intracellular glutathione redox state in cultured human airway epithelial cells

There is ample evidence that asthma is mediated by oxidative stress and that viral infection, which is associated with asthma onset and exacerbation in infants, acts as one type of oxidative stress. The goal of this study was to determine whether respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) induces oxidative stress in cultured A549 human airway epithelial cells and normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE), and whether such RSV-induced oxidative stress can induce airway inflammation. To evaluate the direct effect of RSV infection as an oxidative stressor, the intracellular levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) or oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were measured. Their ratio (GSH/GSSG) was calculated to indicate intracellular oxidation-reduction (redox) status in A549 and NHBE. To evaluate the extent to which glutathione redox regulation affected cytokine/chemokine production, the effect of pretreatment with a reductive agent, glutathione monoethyl ester (GSH-OEt) and RSV-specific monoclonal antibody was thus studied. RSV acted as a potent oxidative stressor on the intracellular glutathione redox state in human airway epithelial cells, activating signals to increase the production of cytokine/chemokine. Pretreatment with GSH-OEt significantly suppressed RSV-induced time-dependent changes in the intracellular redox state, and also suppressed RSV-induced up-regulation of epithelial cell-derived IL-8, IL-6 and eotaxin production, as well as RSV-specific monoclonal antibody. RSV-induced oxidative stress is likely to contribute to the perpetuation and amplification of the inflammatory response. Therapeutic intervention against oxidative stress might therefore be beneficial as adjunctive therapies for respiratory disorders that are caused by an RSV infection.

Respiratory syncytial virus-induced activation and migration of respiratory dendritic cells and subsequent antigen presentation in the lung-draining lymph node

In the respiratory tract, different dendritic cell (DC) populations guard a tight balance between tolerance and immunity to infectious or harmless materials to which the airways are continuously exposed. For infectious and noninfectious antigens administered via different routes, different subsets of DC might contribute during the induction of T-cell tolerance and immunity. We studied the impact of primary respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection on respiratory DC composition in C57BL/6 mice. We also tracked the migration of respiratory DC to the lymph nodes and studied antigen presentation by lung-derived and lymph node-resident DC to CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. We observed a massive influx of mainly CD103(-) CD11b(high) CD11c(+) conventional DC (cDC) and plasmacytoid DC during the first 7 days of RSV infection, while CD103(+) CD11b(low) CD11c(+) cDC disappeared from the lung. The two major subsets of lung tissue DC, CD103(+) CD11b(low) CD11c(+) and CD103(-) CD11b(high) CD11c(+) cDC, both transported RSV RNA to the lung-draining lymph node. Furthermore, these lung-derived cDC subsets as well as resident LN DC, which did not contain viral RNA, displayed viral antigen by major histocompatibility complex class I and class II to CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cells. Taken together, our data indicate that during RSV infections, at least three DC subsets might be involved during the activation of lymph node-homing naïve and memory CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells.

Subversion of pulmonary dendritic cell function by paramyxovirus infections

Lower respiratory tract infections caused by the paramyxoviruses human metapneumovirus (hMPV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are characterized by short-lasting virus-specific immunity and often long-term airway morbidity, both of which may be the result of alterations in the Ag-presenting function of the lung which follow these infections. In this study, we investigated whether hMPV and RSV experimental infections alter the phenotype and function of dendritic cell (DC) subsets that are recruited to the lung. Characterization of lung DC trafficking demonstrated a differential recruitment of plasmacytoid DC (pDC), conventional DC (cDC), and IFN-producing killer DC to the lung and draining lymph nodes after hMPV and RSV infection. In vitro infection of lung DC indicated that in pDC, production of IFN-alpha, TNF-alpha, and CCL5 was induced only by hMPV, whereas CCL3 and CCL4 were induced by both viruses. In cDC, a similar repertoire of cytokines was induced by hMPV and RSV, except for IFN-beta, which was not induced by RSV. The function of lung pDC was altered following hMPV or RSV infection in vivo, as we demonstrated a reduced capacity of lung pDC to produce IFN-alpha as well as other cytokines including IL-6, TNF-alpha, CCL2, CCL3, and CCL4 in response to TLR9 stimulation. Moreover, we observed an impaired capacity of cDC from infected mice to present Ag to CD4(+) T cells, an effect that lasted beyond the acute phase of infection. Our findings suggest that acute paramyxovirus infections can alter the long-term immune function of pulmonary DC.

A chimeric A2 strain of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) with the fusion protein of RSV strain line 19 exhibits enhanced viral load, mucus, and airway dysfunction

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of respiratory failure and viral death in infants. Abundant airway mucus contributes to airway obstruction in RSV disease. Interleukin-13 (IL-13) is a mediator of pulmonary mucus secretion. It has been shown that infection of BALB/c mice with the RSV line 19 strain but not with the RSV A2 laboratory strain results in lung IL-13 and mucus expression. Here, we sequenced the RSV line 19 genome and compared it to the commonly used A2 and Long strains. There were six amino acid differences between the line 19 strain and both the A2 and Long RSV strains, five of which are in the fusion (F) protein. The Long strain, like the A2 strain, did not induce lung IL-13 and mucus expression in BALB/c mice. We hypothesized that the F protein of RSV line 19 is more mucogenic than the F proteins of A2 and Long. We generated recombinant, F-chimeric RSVs by replacing the F gene of A2 with the F gene of either line 19 or Long. Infection of BALB/c mice with RSV rA2 line 19F resulted in lower alpha interferon lung levels 24 h postinfection, higher lung viral load, higher lung IL-13 levels, greater airway mucin expression levels, and greater airway hyperresponsiveness than infection with rA2-A2F or rA2-LongF. We identified the F protein of RSV line 19 as a factor that plays a role in pulmonary mucin expression in the setting of RSV infection.

Human respiratory syncytial virus infects and induces activation markers in mouse B lymphocytes

Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is the most common cause of severe respiratory infections in infants and young children, often leading to hospitalization. Although human airway epithelial cells are the main target of HRSV, it has been reported that this virus can also infect professional antigen-presenting cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells, promoting upregulation of maturation markers. Here, we report that mouse spleen B220(+) B lymphocytes were susceptible to HRSV infection in vitro, probably involving a glycosaminoglycan-dependent mechanism. In contrast, neither CD4(+) nor CD8(+) T lymphocytes were infected. In B lymphocytes, HRSV infection upregulated major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II but not MHC class I molecules and induced the expression of the activation marker CD86.

Respiratory syncytial virus impairs T cell activation by preventing synapse assembly with dendritic cells

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is one of the leading causes of infant hospitalization and a major health and economic burden worldwide. Infection with this virus induces an exacerbated innate proinflammatory immune response characterized by abundant immune cell infiltration into the airways and lung tissue damage. RSV also impairs the induction of an adequate adaptive T cell immune response, which favors virus pathogenesis. Unfortunately, to date there are no efficient vaccines against this virus. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that RSV infection can prevent T cell activation, a phenomenon attributed in part to cytokines and chemokines secreted by RSV-infected cells. Efficient immunity against viruses is promoted by dendritic cells (DCs), professional antigen-presenting cells, that prime antigen-specific helper and cytotoxic T cells. Therefore, it would be to the advantage of RSV to impair DC function and prevent the induction of T cell immunity. Here, we show that, although RSV infection induces maturation of murine DCs, these cells are rendered unable to activate antigen-specific T cells. Inhibition of T cell activation by RSV was observed independently of the type of TCR ligand on the DC surface and applied to cognate-, allo-, and superantigen stimulation. As a result of exposure to RSV-infected DCs, T cells became unresponsive to subsequent TCR engagement. RSV-mediated impairment in T cell activation required DC-T cell contact and involved inhibition of immunological synapse assembly among these cells. Our data suggest that impairment of immunological synapse could contribute to RSV pathogenesis by evading adaptive immunity and reducing T cell-mediated virus clearance.

Host immunity during RSV pathogenesis

Infection by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of childhood hospitalization as well as a major health and economic burden worldwide. Unfortunately, RSV infection provides only limited immune protection to reinfection, mostly due to inadequate immunological memory, which leads to an exacerbated inflammatory response in the respiratory tract promoting airway damage during virus clearance. This exacerbated and inefficient immune-inflammatory response triggered by RSV, has often been attributed to the induction of a Th2-biased immunity specific for some of the RSV antigens. These features of RSV infection suggest that the virus might possess molecular mechanisms to enhance allergic-type immunity in the host in order to prevent clearance by cytotoxic T cells and ensure survival and dissemination to other hosts. In this review, we discuss recent findings that contribute to explain the components of the innate and adaptive immune response that are involved in RSV-mediated disease exacerbation. Further, the virulence mechanisms used by RSV to avoid activation of protective immune responses are described.

Immune evasion by pathogens of bovine respiratory disease complex

Bovine respiratory tract disease is a multi-factorial disease complex involving several viruses and bacteria. Viruses that play prominent roles in causing the bovine respiratory disease complex include bovine herpesvirus-1, bovine respiratory syncytial virus, bovine viral diarrhea virus and parinfluenza-3 virus. Bacteria that play prominent roles in this disease complex are Mannheimia haemolytica and Mycoplasma bovis. Other bacteria that infect the bovine respiratory tract of cattle are Histophilus (Haemophilus) somni and Pasteurella multocida. Frequently, severe respiratory tract disease in cattle is associated with concurrent infections of these pathogens. Like other pathogens, the viral and bacterial pathogens of this disease complex have co-evolved with their hosts over millions of years. As much as the hosts have diversified and fine-tuned the components of their immune system, the pathogens have also evolved diverse and sophisticated strategies to evade the host immune responses. These pathogens have developed intricate mechanisms to thwart both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune responses of their hosts. This review presents an overview of the strategies by which the pathogens suppress host immune responses, as well as the strategies by which the pathogens modify themselves or their locations in the host to evade host immune responses. These immune evasion strategies likely contribute to the failure of currently-available vaccines to provide complete protection to cattle against these pathogens.

Understanding the mechanisms of viral induced asthma: new therapeutic directions

Asthma is a common and debilitating disease that has substantially increased in prevalence in Western Societies in the last 2 decades. Respiratory tract infections by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and rhinovirus (RV) are widely implicated as common causes of the induction and exacerbation of asthma. These infections in early life are associated with the induction of wheeze that may progress to the development of asthma. Infections may also promote airway inflammation and enhance T helper type 2 lymphocyte (Th2 cell) responses that result in exacerbations of established asthma. The mechanisms of how RSV and RV induce and exacerbate asthma are currently being elucidated by clinical studies, in vitro work with human cells and animal models of disease. This research has led to many potential therapeutic strategies and, although none are yet part of clinical practise, they show much promise for the prevention and treatment of viral disease and subsequent asthma.

The fusion protein of respiratory syncytial virus triggers p53-dependent apoptosis

Infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) frequently causes inflammation and obstruction of the small airways, leading to severe pulmonary disease in infants. We show here that the RSV fusion (F) protein, an integral membrane protein of the viral envelope, is a strong elicitor of apoptosis. Inducible expression of F protein in polarized epithelial cells triggered caspase-dependent cell death, resulting in rigorous extrusion of apoptotic cells from the cell monolayer and transient loss of epithelial integrity. A monoclonal antibody directed against F protein inhibited apoptosis and was also effective if administered to A549 lung epithelial cells postinfection. F protein expression in epithelial cells caused phosphorylation of tumor suppressor p53 at serine 15, activation of p53 transcriptional activity, and conformational activation of proapoptotic Bax. Stable expression of dominant-negative p53 or p53 knockdown by RNA interference inhibited the apoptosis of RSV-infected A549 cells. HEp-2 tumor cells with low levels of p53 were not sensitive to RSV-triggered apoptosis. We propose a new model of RSV disease with the F protein as an initiator of epithelial cell shedding, airway obstruction, secondary necrosis, and consequent inflammation. This makes the RSV F protein a key target for the development of effective postinfection therapies.

Respiratory syncytial virus and innate immunity: a complex interplay of exploitation and subversion

Respiratory syncytial virus causes significant disease in infants, the elderly and select groups of immunocompromised patients. Healthy individuals are also naturally infected with respiratory syncytial virus repeatedly throughout life. Therefore, safe and effective vaccines and therapies are needed. However, a number of factors have prevented development of such antiviral interventions to date. These include a failed vaccine trial, the very young age of the primary target population (neonates), the inability of natural infection to induce long-term protective immunity, and an incomplete understanding of virus-host interactions. The identification of pattern recognition receptors has led to significant increases in our understanding of induction and regulation of innate immune responses. This review will address the impact of these findings on respiratory syncytial virus research.

Differential response of human naive and memory/effector T cells to dendritic cells infected by respiratory syncytial virus

In vitro studies have contributed substantially to the understanding of immunopathology of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-mediated disease. In the present study we compared the effect of RSV-infected dendritic cells on the time-course of the primary and memory/effector T cell response in vitro. Cultures with uninfected dendritic cells known to elicit T helper 2 (Th2) responses and with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly-IC)-stimulated dendritic cells known to elicit Th1 responses served as controls. At day 1 after stimulation there was a high proportion of interleukin (IL)-2 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-producing T cells with no difference in number of producing T cells as well as concentration of secreted cytokines between RSV-infected and control cultures. However, up to day 3 generation of IFN-gamma was reduced markedly. In addition, there was a reduced proliferation in RSV cultures. At day 7 the RSV-treated cultures showed a preponderance of IL-4 generation. At days 21-24, after three rounds of restimulation, memory/effector T cells matured under the influence of RSV were still not fully polarized but in contrast to the primary response displayed a predominance of Th1 cytokines. Contact with RSV-infected HEp-2 cells inhibited proliferation of T cells; memory effector T cells were less sensitive to contact inhibition than naive T cells. In addition, RSV inhibited the stimulated rearrangement of cortical actin more effectively in naive compared to memory T cells. In summary, we have shown that RSV infection of dendritic cells has a distinct modulatory effect on the primary response and a less pronounced effect on the memory response.

Immunogenicity and efficacy of codon optimized DNA vaccines encoding the F-protein of respiratory syncytial virus

Respiratory syncytial virus F-protein (RSV-F) is poorly expressed from DNA expression plasmids containing the wild type RSV-F open reading frame. By codon optimization, premature polyadenylation signals were deleted and a striking enhancement of RSV-F expression levels was achieved. Therefore, the immunogenicity and efficacy of wild type DNA vaccines were compared to codon optimized expression plasmids encoding full-length RSV-F or its ectodomain. Mice were immunized twice with the different DNA vaccines followed by an RSV challenge. Only codon optimized DNA vaccines and in particular the one encoding the ectodomain of RSV-F induced substantial antibody levels and reduced viral load 13-170-fold. Thus, codon optimization enhances the immunogenicity and efficacy of RSV encoding DNA vaccines.

Respiratory syncytial virus differentially activates murine myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the primary cause of bronchiolitis in young children. Upon infection both T helper 1 (Th1) and Th2 cytokines are produced. Because RSV-induced Th2 responses have been associated with severe immunopathology and aggravation of allergic reactions, the regulation of the immune response following RSV infection is crucial. In this study we examined the influence of RSV on the activation and function of murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs). RSV induced the expression of maturation markers on myeloid DCs (mDCs) in vitro. The mDCs stimulated with RSV and ovalbumin (OVA) enhanced proliferation of OVA-specific T cells, which produced both Th1 and Th2 cytokines. In contrast to mDCs, RSV did not induce the expression of maturation markers on plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs), not did it enhance the proliferation of OVA-specific T cells that were cocultured with pDCs. However, RSV stimulated the production of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) by pDCs. Our findings indicate a clear difference in the functional activation of DC subsets. RSV-stimulated mDCs may have immunostimulatory effects on both Th1 and Th2 responses, while RSV-stimulated pDCs have direct antiviral activity through the release of IFN-alpha.

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus infection

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) belongs to the pneumovirus genus within the family Paramyxoviridae and is a major cause of respiratory disease in young calves. BRSV is enveloped and contains a negative sense, single-stranded RNA genome encoding 11 proteins. The virus replicates predominantly in ciliated respiratory epithelial cells but also in type II pneumocytes. It appears to cause little or no cytopathology in ciliated epithelial cell cultures in vitro, suggesting that much of the pathology is due to the host's response to virus infection. RSV infection induces an array of pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines that recruit neutrophils, macrophages and lymphocytes to the respiratory tract resulting in respiratory disease. Although the mechanisms responsible for induction of these chemokines and cytokines are unclear, studies on the closely related human (H)RSV suggest that activation of NF-kappaB via TLR4 and TLR3 signalling pathways is involved. An understanding of the mechanisms by which BRSV is able to establish infection and induce an inflammatory response has been facilitated by advances in reverse genetics, which have enabled manipulation of the virus genome. These studies have demonstrated an important role for the non-structural proteins in anti-interferon activity, a role for a virokinin, released during proteolytic cleavage of the fusion protein, in the inflammatory response and a role for the SH and the secreted form of the G protein in establishing pulmonary infection. Knowledge gained from these studies has also provided the opportunity to develop safe, stable, live attenuated virus vaccine candidates.

Silencing T cells or T-cell silencing: concepts in virus-induced immunosuppression

The ability to evade or suppress the host's immune response is a property of many viruses, indicating that this provides an advantage for the pathogen to spread efficiently or even to establish a persistent infection. The type and complexity of its genome and cell tropism but also its preferred type of host interaction are important parameters which define the strategy of a given virus to modulate the immune system in an optimal manner. Because they take a central position in any antiviral defence, the activation and function of T cells are the predominant target of many viral immunosuppressive regimens. In this review, two different strategies whereby this could be achieved are summarized. Retroviruses can infect professional antigen-presenting cells and impair their maturation and functional properties. This coincides with differentiation and expansion of silencing T cells referred to as regulatory T cells with suppressive activity, mainly to CD8+ effector T cells. The second concept, outlined for measles virus, is a direct, contact-mediated silencing of T cells which acquire a transient paralytic state.

Characterization of the CD8+ T cell responses directed against respiratory syncytial virus during primary and secondary infection in C57BL/6 mice

The BALB/c mouse model for human respiratory syncytial virus infection has contributed significantly to our understanding of the relative role for CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to immune protection and pathogenic immune responses. To enable comparison of RSV-specific T cell responses in different mouse strains and allow dissection of immune mechanisms by using transgenic and knockout mice that are mostly available on a C57BL/6 background, we characterized the specificity, level and functional capabilities of CD8+ T cells during primary and secondary responses in lung parenchyma, airways and spleens of C57BL/6 mice. During the primary response, epitopes were recognized originating from the matrix, fusion, nucleo- and attachment proteins, whereas the secondary response focused predominantly on the matrix epitope. C57BL/6 mice are less permissive for hRSV infection than BALB/c mice, yet we found CD8+ T cell responses in the lungs and bronchoalveolar lavage, comparable to the responses described for BALB/c mice.

Alpha and lambda interferon together mediate suppression of CD4 T cells induced by respiratory syncytial virus

The mechanism by which respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) suppresses T-cell proliferation to itself and other antigens is poorly understood. We used monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDC) and CD4 T cells and measured [(3)H]thymidine incorporation to determine the factors responsible for RSV-induced T-cell suppression. These two cell types were sufficient for RSV-induced suppression of T-cell proliferation in response to cytomegalovirus or Staphylococcus enterotoxin B. Suppressive activity was transferable with supernatants from RSV-infected MDDC and was not due to transfer of live virus or RSV F (fusion) protein. Supernatants from RSV-infected MDDC, but not MDDC exposed to UV-killed RSV or mock conditions, contained alpha interferon (IFN-alpha; median, 43 pg/ml) and IFN-lambda (approximately 1 to 20 ng/ml). Neutralization of IFN-alpha with monoclonal antibody (MAb) against one of its receptor chains, IFNAR2, or of IFN-lambda with MAb against either of its receptor chains, IFN-lambdaR1 (interleukin 28R [IL-28R]) or IL-10R2, had a modest effect. In contrast, blocking the two receptors together markedly reduced or completely blocked the RSV-induced suppression of CD4 T-cell proliferation. Defining the mechanism of RSV-induced suppression may guide vaccine design and provide insight into previously uncharacterized human T-cell responses and activities of interferons.

Activation and inactivation of antiviral CD8 T cell responses during murine pneumovirus infection

Pneumonia virus of mice (PVM) is a natural pathogen of mice and has been proposed as a tractable model for the replication of a pneumovirus in its natural host, which mimics human infection with human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). PVM infection in mice is highly productive in terms of virus production compared with the situation seen with RSV in mice. Because RSV suppresses CD8 T cell effector function in the lungs of infected mice, we have investigated the nature of PVM-induced CD8 T cell responses to study pneumovirus-induced T cell responses in a natural virus-host setting. PVM infection was associated with a massive influx of activated CD8 T cells into the lungs. After identification of three PVM-specific CD8 T cell epitopes, pulmonary CD8 T cell responses were enumerated. The combined frequency of cytokine-secreting CD8 T cells specific for the three epitopes was much smaller than the total number of activated CD8 T cells. Furthermore, quantitation of the CD8 T cell response against one of these epitopes (residues 261-270 from the phosphoprotein) by MHC class I pentamer staining and by in vitro stimulation followed by intracellular IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha staining indicated that the majority of pulmonary CD8 specific for the P261 epitope were deficient in cytokine production. This deficient phenotype was retained up to 96 days postinfection, similar to the situation in the lungs of human RSV-infected mice. The data suggest that PVM suppresses T cell effector functions in the lungs.

Differential response of dendritic cells to human metapneumovirus and respiratory syncytial virus

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a pivotal role in shaping antiviral immune responses in the respiratory tract. Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a recently identified pathogen and like its better known relative, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), has been increasingly recognized as a major cause of respiratory morbidity in infants and in elderly persons. In the present study, we examined susceptibility as well as cellular responses of human DCs to hMPV compared with RSV. Monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs) were susceptible to infection by both viruses, but only RSV was able to induce a productive infection with release of viral progeny. Despite the fact that viral infection resulted in phenotypic maturation of moDCs, as shown by the upregulation of cell surface markers and antigen-presenting molecules (MHC I and II, CD80, CD83, CD86, CD38), RSV-infected moDCs showed a severely impaired capacity to stimulate CD4+ T cell proliferation. Compared with hMPV, RSV was a more potent inducer of inflammatory and immunomodulatory cytokines, including TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1beta, IL-10, and IL-12p70 in both moDCs and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). On the other hand, hMPV, but not RSV, was able to trigger production of IFN-alpha by moDCs, while both viruses strongly induced IFN-alpha in pDCs. Finally, both viruses strikingly suppressed IFN-alpha production by moDCs or pDCs stimulated with synthetic dsRNA and CpG-ODN, respectively. The findings provide novel evidence that RSV and hMPV differentially activate human DCs and may use distinct mechanisms to interfere with the host innate and adaptive immune responses.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection of Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells Decreases Their Capacity to Activate CD4 T Cells

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of severe lower respiratory tract infections in children, the elderly, and immune-compromised individuals. CD4 and CD8 T cells play a crucial role in the elimination of RSV from the infected lung, but T cell memory is not sufficient to completely prevent reinfections. The nature of the adaptive immune response depends on innate immune reactions initiated after interaction of invading pathogens with host APCs. For respiratory pathogens myeloid dendritic cell (DC) precursors that are located underneath the epithelial cell layer lining the airways may play a crucial role in primary activation of T cells and regulating their functional potential. In this study, we investigated the role of human monocyte-derived DC in RSV infection. We showed that monocyte-derived DC can be productively infected, which results in maturation of the DC judged by the up-regulation of CD80, CD83, CD86, and HLA class II molecules. However, RSV infection of DC caused impaired CD4 T cell activation characterized by a lower T cell proliferation and ablation of cytokine production in activated T cells. The suppressive effect was caused by an as yet unidentified soluble factor produced by RSV-infected DC.

Viruses know it all: new insights into IFN networks

Co-evolution of viruses with their hosts for millions of years has led to a host immune system of high complexity and, likewise, sophisticated viral mechanisms to antagonize immunity. Early cytokines, such as interferons (IFNs), which integrate innate and adaptive immune responses, are essential targets for viruses. Viral antagonists that interfere with numerous components of the IFN system provide superb tools to explore the pathways and the connectivity of the IFN network. Here, the inhibition of type I IFN production by negative strand RNA viruses and IFN signaling by cytomegalovirus are discussed, illustrating unappreciated links between type I and type II IFN signaling. Viral principles might pave the way to develop new therapeutics to modulate immune functions.

Inhibition of toll-like receptor 7- and 9-mediated alpha/beta interferon production in human plasmacytoid dendritic cells by respiratory syncytial virus and measles virus

Human plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDC) are key sentinels alerting both innate and adaptive immune responses through production of huge amounts of alpha/beta interferon (IFN). IFN induction in PDC is triggered by outside-in signal transduction pathways through Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) and TLR9 as well as by recognition of cytosolic virus-specific patterns. TLR7 and TLR9 ligands include single-stranded RNA and CpG-rich DNA, respectively, as well as synthetic derivatives thereof which are being evaluated as therapeutic immune modulators promoting Th1 immune responses. Here, we identify the first viruses able to block IFN production by PDC. Both TLR-dependent and -independent IFN responses are abolished in human PDC infected with clinical isolates of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), RSV strain A2, and measles virus Schwarz, in contrast to RSV strain Long, which we previously identified as a potent IFN inducer in human PDC (Hornung et al., J. Immunol. 173:5935-5943, 2004). Notably, IFN synthesis of PDC activated by the TLR7 and TLR9 agonists resiquimod (R848) and CpG oligodeoxynucleotide 2216 is switched off by subsequent infection by RSV A2 and measles virus. The capacity of RSV and measles virus of human PDC to shut down IFN production should contribute to the characteristic features of these viruses, such as Th2-biased immune pathology, immune suppression, and superinfection.

Respiratory syncytial virus and other pneumoviruses: a review of the international symposium--RSV 2003

The Respiratory Syncytial Virus 2003 symposium took place from 8th-11th November 2003 in Stone Mountain, Georgia, and brought together more than 200 international investigators engaged in RSV research. RSV biology, pathogenesis, and clinical data, as well as RSV vaccines and antivirals, were addressed in the meeting, and this review will aim to briefly summarize and discuss the implications of new findings. The meeting also served as the inauguration of the Robert M. Chanock Award for lifetime achievement in RSV research, an award named in honor of the person who started the field of RSV research by recovering the first human RS virus from infants with severe bronchiolitis in 1956.

Replication-dependent potent IFN-alpha induction in human plasmacytoid dendritic cells by a single-stranded RNA virus

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells sense viral ssRNA or its degradation products via TLR7/8 and CpG motifs within viral DNA via TLR9. Although these two endosomal pathways operate independently of viral replication, little is known about the detection of actively replicating viruses in plasmacytoid dendritic cell (PDC). Replication and transcription of the viral genome of ssRNA viruses as well as many DNA viruses lead to the formation of cytosolic dsRNA absent in noninfected cells. In this study, we used human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) encoding a fusion (F) protein for direct cytosolic entry. Both HRSV infection and cytosolic delivery of a 65-nt dsRNA led to potent IFN-alpha induction in PDC, but not in myeloid dendritic cells. Inactivation of HRSV by UV irradiation abrogated IFN-alpha induction in PDC. The comparison of two respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) constructs carrying either the HRSV or the bovine RSV F protein revealed that F-mediated cytosolic entry of RSV was absolutely required for IFN-alpha induction in PDC. HRSV-induced IFN-alpha production was independent of endosomal acidification and of protein kinase R (PKR) kinase activity, as demonstrated with chloroquine and the PKR inhibitor 2-aminopurine, respectively. In contrast, the induction of IFN-alpha by the TLR7/8 ligand R848, by the TLR9 ligand CpG-A ODN 2216, and by inactivated influenza virus (TLR7/8 dependent) was completely blocked by 2-aminopurine. IFN-alpha induction by mouse pathogenic Sendai virus was not affected in PKR- and MyD88-deficient mice, confirming that a ssRNA virus, which is able to directly enter host cells via fusion at the plasma membrane, can be detected by PDC independently of PKR, TLR7/8, and TLR9.