Interferon production by human mononuclear leukocytes: differences between respiratory syncytial virus and influenza viruses

Abstract

The ability of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to induce interferon production by human mononuclear leukocytes was compared with that of influenza viruses. Cell culture fluids were assayed for interferon activity 1, 3 and 7 days after exposure to RSV or to one of two subtypes of influenza A virus (H0N1 and H3N2). RSV induced interferon production inconsistently and in low titers. Varying the multiplicity of infection did not improve the ability of RSV to induce interferon production. In contrast, influenza viruses were effective inducers of interferon production. Seropositivity to the influenza virus strains was not associated with increased interferon titers. Interferon produced after exposure to RSV or to the influenza viruses was resistant to low pH treatment. The data suggest that interferon production may not be a major component of human immunological defense against RSV infection.

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

“…Overall, despite several rounds of restimulation T cells matured under the influence of RSV were not fully polarized and in contrast to the primary response displayed a prevalence of Th1 cytokines. This is in line with clinical observations in adults that the immune response to RSV compared to other common upper respiratory tract infections such as adenovirus, rhinovirus or influenza virus induces only a weak but distinct IFN-g generation [47,48]. Because RSV replication is controlled by IFN-g [6], its relatively low but distinct formation might be responsible for reduced severity of clinical illness upon reinfection with RSV [18].…”

Respiratory syncytial virus-induced cytokine production by neonatal macrophages

“…Previous reports had shown no evidence of IFN-production in RSV infection, in contrast to infections with other common respiratory viruses such as parainfluenza and influenza viruses [13,25]. In this study, significant IFNtranscripts were detected in RSV-infected macrophages; however, its product could not be detected.…”

Different effects of influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, and Sendai virus on human lymphocytes and macrophages

“…Influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause clinically similar disease in adults (6,15). Both influenza virus and RSV depress phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced transformation responses (14); however, influenza virus is a good inducer, and RSV is a poor inducer of interferon production by human mononuclear leukocytes (4). Reinfection of adults with RSV is common (15) despite genetic stability relative to influenza viruses (3,6).…”