Controversies and challenges of vaccination: an interview with Elizabeth Miller

IL-17A is a common and critical driver of impaired lung function and immunopathology induced by influenza virus, rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Influenza virus (FLU), rhinovirus (RV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are the most common acute respiratory infections worldwide. Infection can cause severe health outcomes, while therapeutic options are limited, primarily relieving symptoms without attenuating the development of lesions or impaired lung function. We therefore examined the inflammatory response to these infections with the intent to identify common components that are critical drivers of immunopathogenesis and thus represent potential therapeutic targets.

METHODS

BALB/c mice were infected with FLU, RV or RSV, and lung function, airway inflammation and immunohistopathology were measured over a 10-day period. Anti-IL-17A mAb was administered to determine the impact of attenuating this cytokine's function on the development and severity of disease.

RESULTS

All three viruses induced severe airway constriction and inflammation at 2 days post-infection (dpi). However, only FLU induced prolonged inflammation till 10 dpi. Increased IL-17A expression was correlated with the alterations in lung function and its persistence. Neutralization of IL-17A did not affect the viral replication but led to the resolution of airway hyperresponsiveness. Furthermore, anti-IL-17A treatment resulted in reduced infiltration of neutrophils (in RV- and FLU-infected mice at 2 dpi) and lymphocytes (in RSV-infected mice at 2 dpi and FLU-infected mice at 10 dpi), and attenuated the severity of immunopathology.

CONCLUSION

IL-17A is a common pathogenic molecule regulating disease induced by three prevalent respiratory viruses. Targeting the IL-17A pathway may provide a unified approach to the treatment of these respiratory infections alleviating both inflammation-induced lesions and difficulties in breathing.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2: Current advances in therapeutic targets and drug development

The current pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has quickly emerged as a global health concern with government bodies worldwide taking drastic control measures. Understanding the virology of SARS-CoV-2, its molecular mechanisms, and its pathogenesis are required for a targeted therapeutic approach. In this review, we highlight the current molecular and drug advances that target SARS-CoV-2 at the genome level. We also summarize studies that therapeutically target the host angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and proteases. Finally, we summarize antibody-mediated therapeutic approaches, as well as recent trends in vaccine development. Hence, the purpose of this study is to investigate different molecular targets in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and their usefulness in developing strategies for drug development.

Confronting vaccine hesitancy: What nurses need to know

This article reviews the origins of vaccine hesitancy, explores common misconceptions about vaccines, and discusses strategies for overcoming vaccine hesitancy.