Modulation of Host Immunity by the Human Metapneumovirus

Abstract

SUMMARYGlobally, as a leading agent of acute respiratory tract infections in children <5 years of age and the elderly, the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) has gained considerable attention. As inferred from studies comparing vaccinated and experimentally infected mice, the acquired immune response elicited by this pathogen fails to efficiently clear the virus from the airways, which leads to an exaggerated inflammatory response and lung damage. Furthermore, after disease resolution, there is a poor development of T and B cell immunological memory, which is believed to promote reinfections and viral spread in the community. In this article, we discuss the molecular mechanisms that shape the interactions of HMPV with host tissues that lead to pulmonary pathology and to the development of adaptive immunity that fails to protect against natural infections by this virus.

Characterization of signaling pathways regulating the expression of pro-inflammatory long form thymic stromal lymphopoietin upon human metapneumovirus infection

“…hMPV primarily replicates in the epithelial cells in the upper and lower respiratory tract. Upon infection the viral RNA genome is believed to be delivered into the cytosol where the replication cycle initiates 5 . Host cells are equipped with pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), including membrane bound Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and cytoplasmic RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs), which recognize pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), such as viral RNA.…”

Neutrophils regulate the lung inflammatory response via γδ T cell infiltration in an experimental mouse model of human metapneumovirus infection

“…By 5 yr old, most children have been infected by HMPV, and by the age of 25, virtually all adults have been exposed to the virus [26,27]. Research studies conducted over the last decade demonstrate that HMPV induces a spectrum of immune responses, some of which contribute to the antiviral defense, whereas others mount an evasion strategy by the virus for effective infection [28,29]. However, several gaps in the understanding of immune responses to HMPV resulted in limited success with the development of effective vaccines and specific therapeutics against this clinically important viral infection.…”

Single Passage of Human Metapneumovirus in LLC-MK2 Cells Does Not Affect Viral Protein-Coding Capacity

“…Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus of the family Pneumoviridae . The virus may cause severe lower respiratory tract infections in young children ( 1 ). HMPV is also an important cause of disease in older adults ( 1 ).…”

“…The virus may cause severe lower respiratory tract infections in young children ( 1 ). HMPV is also an important cause of disease in older adults ( 1 ). HMPV is often propagated in cells for serological assays and genetic tests, as well as for in vitro research purposes.…”