Respiratory virus infections initiate in the upper respiratory tract (URT). Innate immunity is critical for initial control of infection at this site, particularly in the absence of mucosal virus-neutralising antibodies. If the innate immune response is inadequate, infection can spread to the lower respiratory tract (LRT) causing community-acquired pneumonia (as exemplified by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)/coronavirus disease 2019). Vaccines for respiratory viruses (influenza and SARS-CoV-2) leverage systemic adaptive immunity to protect from severe lung disease. However, the URT remains vulnerable to infection, enabling viral transmission and posing an ongoing risk of severe disease in populations that lack effective adaptive immunity.Innate immunity is triggered by host cell recognition of viral pathogen-associated molecular patterns molecular sensors such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Here we review the role of TLRs in respiratory viral infections and the potential of TLR-targeted treatments to enhance airway antiviral immunity to limit progression to severe LRT disease and reduce person-to-person viral transmission. By considering cellular localisation and antiviral mechanisms of action and treatment route/timing, we propose that cell surface TLR agonist therapies are a viable strategy for preventing respiratory viral diseases by providing immediate, durable pan-viral protection within the URT.
Objectives: To describe changes in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) epidemiology, its associated clinical outcomes and predictors of severe acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI) pre- and post-COVID-19.
Methods: In this retrospective cohort, we analysed data from electronic medical record of children <5 years who were hospitalized at Jordan University Hospital with RSV-associated ALRTI from 2018 to 2022.
Results: 325 inpatients with respiratory infections were included.
Background: Amino acid (AA) substitutions in the fusion protein of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and their effects remain unclear. We aimed to analyze AA substitutions in main neutralizing epitopes of the fusion (F) protein.
Methods: We analyzed F protein genes of 236 RSV strains isolated from children hospitalized with RSV infection in Fukushima, Japan (June 2008-February 2023).
Multi-target strategy can serve as a valid treatment for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), but existing drugs most focus on a single target. Thus, multi-target drugs that bind multiple sites simultaneously need to be urgently studied. Apigenin has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
Department of Emergency Medicine, Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, Southport Queensland, Australia; Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.
Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and accompanying public health measures disrupted the normal transmission of respiratory viral pathogens. Less is known about the effects on bacterial pathogens.
Aims: To assess the impact of public health restrictions on common respiratory pathogens (influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the following bacterial pathogens: Streptococcus pneumoniae (S.
