Within the lungs, a promising approach for safeguarding against influenza-induced harm
In a groundbreaking discovery, a research team at the Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, in collaboration with Celso Reis from the I3S, has uncovered a novel immune evasion strategy employed by the influenza A virus. The study, funded by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia and Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, was published in PLOS Pathogens with the DOI 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009381.
The study sheds light on the Decay Accelerating Factor (DAF), a receptor found at the surface of most cells that protects them from being attacked by the immune system's complement system. In the case of influenza A virus infections, the virus exploits DAF to potentiate complement activation, exacerbating the immune response and damaging the lungs.
When a virus like influenza enters the lungs, it encounters molecules that recognize it and alert the host of its presence. However, this study reveals that the influenza A virus uses DAF to bypass this initial defence mechanism, leading to an unbalanced immune response.
An unbalanced immune response during influenza A infection can lead to severe complications, including damage to the lungs. The complement system, which works as a double-edged sword, can potentially cause excessive self-injury by eliminating too many bystander cells and promoting inflammation.
The seasonal flu kills approximately 600,000 people worldwide each year, and historical pandemics such as the Spanish flu and H1N1 have claimed more than 50 million lives combined. Given these statistics, understanding the role of DAF upon influenza infection and its interactions with the virus is crucial.
This study highlights the importance of maintaining a balanced immune response to clear viral infections without causing damage. The research group from the University Hospital Jena found that DAF aggravates influenza A infection and increases damage to the lungs in mice.
Further investigation into the role of DAF during influenza infection is necessary to develop strategies for mitigating its harmful effects and improving patient outcomes.
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