Open AccessRole of apoptosis and cytokines in influenza virus morbidity
Author(s) -
Brydon Edward W.A.,
Morris Susan J.,
Sweet Clive
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
fems microbiology reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.91
H-Index - 212
eISSN - 1574-6976
pISSN - 0168-6445
DOI - 10.1016/j.femsre.2004.12.003
Subject(s) - virus , apoptosis , immunology , biology , inflammation , pandemic , influenza a virus , cytokine , virulence , pathogen , proinflammatory cytokine , virology , medicine , covid-19 , disease , gene , infectious disease (medical specialty) , pathology , biochemistry
Influenza virus is a major human pathogen that causes epidemics and pandemics with increased morbidity and, especially in the elderly and those with pre‐existing medical conditions, increased mortality. Influenza is characterised by respiratory symptoms and constitutional symptoms. Whilst knowledge of the mechanisms underlying host and tissue specificity has advanced considerably of late we still know relatively little about other aspects of influenza virus virulence. In this review, we will explore what is known about the role of apoptosis in respiratory epithelial cell damage and the role of cytokines in inflammation and constitutional symptoms with particular emphasis on the link between apoptosis, inflammation, fever and cytokine production.