“…The process of viral recognition and activation of signalling pathways leading to type I and III IFN production and subsequent upregulation of antiviral ISGs is paramount for the early control and elimination of any IAV infection ( Bowie and Unterholzner, 2008 , Starbæk et al, 2018 ). The epithelium of the nasal mucosa is composed of ciliated cells, secretory cells, and basal cells attached to each other by tight junctions and immune cells, notably resident macrophages and dendritic cells ( Knight and Holgate, 2003 , Jahnsen et al, 2004 , Beule, 2010 ). This highly multifaceted respiratory environment can be approximated using nasal explants grown at an air-liquid interface for a limited time period ( Glorieux et al, 2007 , Van Poucke et al, 2010 ).…”