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Respiratory viral infections and host responses; insights from genomics

Review of the viral sensing pathways and organizing principles that govern the innate immune response to infection

Citation:
Troy NM, Bosco A. Respiratory viral infections and host responses; insights from genomics. Respiratory Research. 2016;17(1):156

Keywords:
Gene network; Genomics; Host response; Influenza; Respiratory syncytial virus; Respiratory viral infections; Rhinovirus; Systems biology

Abstract:
Respiratory viral infections are a leading cause of disease and mortality. The severity of these illnesses can vary markedly from mild or asymptomatic upper airway infections to severe wheezing, bronchiolitis or pneumonia. In this article, we review the viral sensing pathways and organizing principles that govern the innate immune response to infection. Then, we reconstruct the molecular networks that differentiate symptomatic from asymptomatic respiratory viral infections, and identify the underlying molecular drivers of these networks. Finally, we discuss unique aspects of the biology and pathogenesis of infections with respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus and influenza, drawing on insights from genomics.