Understanding immune responses to severe influenza disease

Abstract

Respiratory viral infections caused by Influenza A viruses (IAVs) are responsible for annual seasonal epidemics that cause mild, severe or fatal pulmonary disease and estimated to result in 243,000-640,000 deaths globally every year. Severe infections can result in lung tissue damage, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) as well as secondary bacterial pneumonia, all of which are detrimental to the host and can potentially lead to a fatal disease outcome. Many of those at high-risk of developing severe disease include children, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Although current influenza vaccines are the best way to combat the seasonal influenza epidemics, the vaccines need..