Work

Inhibition of the cytokine response does not protect against lethal H5N1 influenza infection

Year: 2007

Type: article

Abstract: Because proinflammatory cytokines are markedly elevated during H5N1 influenza virus infection, the "cytokine storm" is hypothesized to be the main cause of mortality. Here, we demonstrate that mice deficient in the hallmark inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-6, or CC chemokine ligand 2 succumb to infection with A/Vietnam/1203/04 (H5N1) virus, as do wild-type mice treated with glucocorticoids for suppression of cytokines. Because cytokine inhibition does not protect against death, therapies that target the virus rather than cytokines may be preferable.

Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0705289104

Authors: Rachelle Salomon, Erich Hoffmann, Robert G. Webster

Institutions: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Language: English

Topic: Influenza Virus Research Studies

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases