Work

Differential Responses of Pediatric and Adult Primary Epithelial Cells to Human Metapneumovirus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are pneumoviruses causing lower respiratory tract infections, primarily in infants and children rather than in healthy adults. Human bronchial epithelial cells serve as a viral replication target and source of the innate immune response to these viruses. To better understand the immune responses induced by RSV and HMPV in the pediatric airway epithelium, we comparatively studied pediatric and adult epithelial responses. We used normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells cultured in an air-liquid interface culture system (ALI), which helps to mimic the architecture of the human lower respiratory tract epithelium. Our results demonstrate differential viral replication patterns and reduced interferons; and inflammatory cytokines' expression in pediatric cells compared to adult cells. However, pediatric epithelial cells expressed an increased mucus response and induced a stronger pro-inflammatory response in monocyte-derived dendritic cells. These findings reveal age-dependent immune epithelial responses that may contribute to more severe infections by HMPV and RSV.

Source: Viruses

DOI: 10.3390/v17030380

Authors: Pius I. Babawale, Antonieta Guerrero-Plata

Institution: Louisiana State University

Language: English

Topic: Respiratory viral infections research

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137