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From RSV to hMPV: Role of Innate Immunity in Pathogenesis

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A special issue of Viruses (ISSN 1999-4915). This special issue belongs to the section "Viral Immunology, Vaccines, and Antivirals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2020) | Viewed by 58047

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Antonella Casola

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Guest Editor

Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
Interests: reactive oxygen species; pediatric infectious diseases; respiratory viral pathogens; lung inflammation; cellular signaling

Prof. Roberto P. Garofalo

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Guest Editor

Department of Pediatrics, Divisions of Clinical and Experimental Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA

Prof. Dr. Xiaoyong Bao

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Guest Editor

Department of Pediatrics, Divisions of Clinical and Experimental Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
Interests: molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis and host immune responses associated with RSV and hMPV infections; respiratory tract infections; antiviral pathways; viral evasion mechanisms; sncRNAs

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Several millions of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in infants and children are caused every year worldwide by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The pathogenesis of RSV LRTIs and the cellular/molecular mechanisms that determine its clinical severity are not completely understood. Numerous studies over the past fifty years have revealed that host determinants—including T cell-mediated immune responses, neurogenic inflammation, epithelial-derived inflammatory cytokines/chemokines, pro-oxidative mediators, neutrophils, dendritic cells, and monocytes/macrophages—are involved in the obstruction and damage of the small airways and associated clinical manifestations that are characteristic of RSV LRTIs. The rapidly advancing field of omics sciences has contributed to the discovery of new gene/protein/cell innate pathways, such as the NF-kB-, NRF2-, and interferon-regulated networks, which control immunity and inflammation of the lung in human natural acquired RSV infections and animal experimental models. The aim of this Special Issue of Viruses is to contribute to the current knowledge on cellular and molecular components of the innate immune system that are implicated in the pathogenesis of RSV airway disease, acute and chronic airway inflammation, the regulation of adaptive immune responses, as well as antiviral activity.

Prof. Antonella Casola
Prof. Roberto P. Garofalo
Prof. Xiaoyong Bao
Guest Editors

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Keywords

RSV pathogenesis
Innate immunity
Mucosal immune response
Determinants of disease severity

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 3322 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Selective Blockade of TNFR1 Improves Clinical Disease and Bronchoconstriction in Experimental RSV Infection

by Dorothea R. Morris, Maria Ansar, Teodora Ivanciuc, Yue Qu, Antonella Casola and Roberto P. Garofalo

Viruses 2020, 12(10), 1176; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v12101176 - 17 Oct 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2962

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of bronchiolitis in infants and young children. Although some clinical studies have speculated that tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α is a major contributor of RSV-mediated airway disease, experimental evidence remains unclear or conflicting. TNF-α initiates inflammation and cell death through two distinct receptors: TNF-receptor (TNFR)1 and TNFR2. Here we delineate the function of TNF-α by short-lasting blockade of either receptor in an experimental BALB/c mouse model of RSV infection. We demonstrate that antibody-mediated blockade of TNFR1, but not TNFR2, results in significantly improved clinical disease and bronchoconstriction as well as significant reductions of several inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, Ccl3, Ccl4, and Ccl5. Additionally, TNFR1 blockade was found to significantly reduce neutrophil number and activation status, consistent with the concomitant reduction of pro-neutrophilic chemokines Cxcl1 and Cxcl2. Similar protective activity was also observed when a single-dose of TNFR1 blockade was administered to mice following RSV inoculation, although this treatment resulted in improved alveolar macrophage survival rather than reduced neutrophil activation. Importantly, short-lasting blockade of TNFR1 did not affect RSV peak replication in the lung. This study suggests a potential therapeutic approach for RSV bronchiolitis based on selective blockade of TNFR1. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From RSV to hMPV: Role of Innate Immunity in Pathogenesis)

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13 pages, 1633 KiB

Open AccessArticle

HIF-1α Modulates Core Metabolism and Virus Replication in Primary Airway Epithelial Cells Infected with Respiratory Syncytial Virus

by Dorothea R. Morris, Yue Qu, Anurodh Agrawal, Roberto P. Garofalo and Antonella Casola

Viruses 2020, 12(10), 1088; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v12101088 - 26 Sep 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 2793

Abstract

Metabolic reprogramming of host cells is key to the foundation of a successful viral infection. Hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) mediate oxygen utilization by regulating cellular metabolism and redox homeostasis. Under normoxic conditions, HIF proteins are synthesized and subsequently degraded following ubiquitination to allow for normal metabolic activities. Recent studies suggest that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has the ability to induce HIF-1α stabilization and accumulation through non-hypoxic mechanisms. This makes the HIF pathway a potential avenue of approach for RSV therapeutic development. Using a model of primary human small alveolar epithelial cells, we demonstrate RSV infections to greatly alter cellular metabolism in favor of the glycolytic and pentose phosphate pathways. Additionally, we show RSV infections to stabilize HIF-1α and HIF-2α expression in these cells. Inhibition of HIF-1α, but not HIF-2α, was found to significantly reduce RSV replication as well as the glycolytic pathway, as measured by the expression of hexokinase II. Our study contributes to the understanding of RSV-mediated changes to cellular metabolism and supports further investigation into anti-HIF-1α therapeutics for RSV infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From RSV to hMPV: Role of Innate Immunity in Pathogenesis)

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16 pages, 1349 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lytic Cell Death Mechanisms in Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Infected Macrophages: Roles of Pyroptosis and Necroptosis

by Lori Bedient, Swechha Mainali Pokharel, Kim R. Chiok, Indira Mohanty, Sierra S. Beach, Tanya A. Miura and Santanu Bose

Viruses 2020, 12(9), 932; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v12090932 - 25 Aug 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3779

Abstract

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of viral bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and children worldwide. Inflammation induced by RSV infection is responsible for its hallmark manifestation of bronchiolitis and pneumonia. The cellular debris created through lytic cell death of infected cells is a potent initiator of this inflammation. Macrophages are known to play a pivotal role in the early innate immune and inflammatory response to viral pathogens. However, the lytic cell death mechanisms associated with RSV infection in macrophages remains unknown. Two distinct mechanisms involved in lytic cell death are pyroptosis and necroptosis. Our studies revealed that RSV induces lytic cell death in macrophages via both of these mechanisms, specifically through the ASC (Apoptosis-associated speck like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain)-NLRP3 (nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-containing family, pyrin domain-containing-3) inflammasome activation of both caspase-1 dependent pyroptosis and receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 3 (RIPK3), as well as a mixed lineage kinase domain like pseudokinase (MLKL)-dependent necroptosis. In addition, we demonstrated an important role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during lytic cell death of RSV-infected macrophages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From RSV to hMPV: Role of Innate Immunity in Pathogenesis)

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17 pages, 4299 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Regulatory B Lymphocytes Colonize the Respiratory Tract of Neonatal Mice and Modulate Immune Responses of Alveolar Macrophages to RSV Infection in IL-10-Dependant Manner

by Daphné Laubreton, Carole Drajac, Jean-François Eléouët, Marie-Anne Rameix-Welti, Richard Lo-Man, Sabine Riffault and Delphyne Descamps

Viruses 2020, 12(8), 822; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v12080822 - 29 Jul 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2887

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the prevalent pathogen of lower respiratory tract infections in children. The presence of neonatal regulatory B lymphocytes (nBreg) has been associated with a poor control of RSV infection in human newborns and with bronchiolitis severity. So far, little is known about how nBreg may contribute to neonatal immunopathology to RSV. We tracked nBreg in neonatal BALB/c mice and we investigated their impact on lung innate immunity, especially their crosstalk with alveolar macrophages (AMs) upon RSV infection. We showed that the colonization by nBreg during the first week of life is a hallmark of neonatal lung whereas this population is almost absent in adult lung. This particular period of age when nBreg are abundant corresponds to the same period when RSV replication in lungs fails to generate a type-I interferons (IFN-I) response and is not contained. When neonatal AMs are exposed to RSV in vitro, they produce IFN-I that in turn enhances IL-10 production by nBreg. IL-10 reciprocally can decrease IFN-I secretion by AMs. Thus, our work identified nBreg as an important component of neonatal lungs and pointed out new immunoregulatory interactions with AMs in the context of RSV infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From RSV to hMPV: Role of Innate Immunity in Pathogenesis)

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18 pages, 4913 KiB

Open AccessArticle

STAT2 Limits Host Species Specificity of Human Metapneumovirus

by Meredith C. Rogers, Margot Miranda-Katz, Yu Zhang, Tim D. Oury, Melissa B. Uccellini, Adolfo García-Sastre and John V. Williams

Viruses 2020, 12(7), 724; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v12070724 - 04 Jul 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2567

Abstract

The host tropism of viral infection is determined by a variety of factors, from cell surface receptors to innate immune signaling. Many viruses encode proteins that interfere with host innate immune recognition in order to promote infection. STAT2 is divergent between species and therefore has a role in species restriction of some viruses. To understand the role of STAT2 in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection of human and murine tissues, we first infected STAT2^−/− mice and found that HMPV could be serially passaged in STAT2^−/−, but not WT, mice. We then used in vitro methods to show that HMPV inhibits expression of both STAT1 and STAT2 in human and primate cells, but not in mouse cells. Transfection of the murine form of STAT2 into STAT2-deficient human cells conferred resistance to STAT2 inhibition. Finally, we sought to understand the in vivo role of STAT2 by infecting hSTAT2 knock-in mice with HMPV, and found that mice had increased weight loss, inhibition of type I interferon signaling, and a Th2-polarized cytokine profile compared to WT mice. These results indicate that STAT2 is a target of HMPV in human infection, while the murine version of STAT2 restricts tropism of HMPV for murine cells and tissue. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From RSV to hMPV: Role of Innate Immunity in Pathogenesis)

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9 pages, 359 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Polymorphism in the Catalase Gene Promoter Confers Protection against Severe RSV Bronchiolitis

by Jeffrey M. Chambliss, Maria Ansar, John P. Kelley, Heidi Spratt, Roberto P. Garofalo and Antonella Casola

Viruses 2020, 12(1), 57; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v12010057 - 03 Jan 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2578

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is associated with oxidative lung injury, decreased levels of antioxidant enzymes (AOEs), and the degradation of the transcription factor NF-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2), a master regulator of AOE expression. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in AOE and NRF2 genes have been associated with various lung disorders. To test whether specific NRF2 and/or AOE gene SNPs in children with RSV lower respiratory tract infection were associated with disease severity, one hundred and forty one children <24 month of age with bronchiolitis were assessed for seven AOE and two NRF2 SNPs, and data were correlated with disease severity, which was determined by need of oxygen supplementation and intensive care support. One SNP in the promoter region of the catalase gene, rs1001179, which is associated with higher enzyme expression, was significantly underrepresented (p = 0.01, OR 0.38) among patients with moderate to severe RSV bronchiolitis, suggesting a protective effect against disease severity. Our results suggest that increasing catalase expression/activity could exert a protective role in the context of RSV infection and represent a potential novel therapeutic target to ameliorate viral-induced lung disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From RSV to hMPV: Role of Innate Immunity in Pathogenesis)

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Review

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20 pages, 978 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Contribution of Neutrophils to the Pathogenesis of RSV Bronchiolitis

by Ismail Sebina and Simon Phipps

Viruses 2020, 12(8), 808; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v12080808 - 27 Jul 2020

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 8541

Abstract

Acute viral bronchiolitis causes significant mortality in the developing world, is the number one cause of infant hospitalisation in the developed world, and is associated with the later development of chronic lung diseases such as asthma. A vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the leading cause of viral bronchiolitis in infancy, remains elusive, and hence new therapeutic modalities are needed to limit disease severity. However, much remains unknown about the underlying pathogenic mechanisms. Neutrophilic inflammation is the predominant phenotype observed in infants with both mild and severe disease, however, a clear understanding of the beneficial and deleterious effects of neutrophils is lacking. In this review, we describe the multifaceted roles of neutrophils in host defence and antiviral immunity, consider their contribution to bronchiolitis pathogenesis, and discuss whether new approaches that target neutrophil effector functions will be suitable for treating severe RSV bronchiolitis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From RSV to hMPV: Role of Innate Immunity in Pathogenesis)

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46 pages, 1947 KiB

Open AccessReview

Innate Immune Components That Regulate the Pathogenesis and Resolution of hRSV and hMPV Infections

by Catalina A. Andrade, Gaspar A. Pacheco, Nicolas M. S. Gálvez, Jorge A. Soto, Susan M. Bueno and Alexis M. Kalergis

Viruses 2020, 12(6), 637; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v12060637 - 12 Jun 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3675

Abstract

The human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) and human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) are two of the leading etiological agents of acute lower respiratory tract infections, which constitute the main cause of mortality in infants. However, there are currently approved vaccines for neither hRSV nor hMPV. Moreover, despite the similarity between the pathology caused by both viruses, the immune response elicited by the host is different in each case. In this review, we discuss how dendritic cells, alveolar macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, natural killer cells, innate lymphoid cells, and the complement system regulate both pathogenesis and the resolution of hRSV and hMPV infections. The roles that these cells play during infections by either of these viruses will help us to better understand the illnesses they cause. We also discuss several controversial findings, relative to some of these innate immune components. To better understand the inflammation in the lungs, the role of the respiratory epithelium in the recruitment of innate immune cells is briefly discussed. Finally, we review the main prophylactic strategies and current vaccine candidates against both hRSV and hMPV. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From RSV to hMPV: Role of Innate Immunity in Pathogenesis)

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22 pages, 1705 KiB

Open AccessReview

Cell-Mediated Responses to Human Metapneumovirus Infection

by Marlies Ballegeer and Xavier Saelens

Viruses 2020, 12(5), 542; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v12050542 - 14 May 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5483

Abstract

Viruses are the most common cause of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI). Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) frequently causes viral pneumonia which can become life-threatening if the virus spreads to the lungs. Even though hMPV was only isolated in 2001, this negative-stranded RNA virus has probably been circulating in the human population for many decades. Interestingly, almost all adults have serologic evidence of hMPV infection. A well-established host immune response is evoked when hMPV infection occurs. However, the virus has evolved to circumvent and even exploit the host immune response. Further, infection with hMPV induces a weak memory response, and re-infections during life are common. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the different cell types involved in the immune response in order to better understand the immunopathology induced by hMPV. Such knowledge may contribute to the development of vaccines and therapeutics directed against hMPV. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From RSV to hMPV: Role of Innate Immunity in Pathogenesis)

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16 pages, 746 KiB

Open AccessReview

Innate Type 2 Responses to Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

by Allison E. Norlander and R. Stokes Peebles, Jr.

Viruses 2020, 12(5), 521; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v12050521 - 08 May 2020

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 5711

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common and contagious virus that results in acute respiratory tract infections in infants. In many cases, the symptoms of RSV remain mild, however, a subset of individuals develop severe RSV-associated bronchiolitis. As such, RSV is the chief cause of infant hospitalization within the United States. Typically, the immune response to RSV is a type 1 response that involves both the innate and adaptive immune systems. However, type 2 cytokines may also be produced as a result of infection of RSV and there is increasing evidence that children who develop severe RSV-associated bronchiolitis are at a greater risk of developing asthma later in life. This review summarizes the contribution of a newly described cell type, group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2), and epithelial-derived alarmin proteins that activate ILC2, including IL-33, IL-25, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). ILC2 activation leads to the production of type 2 cytokines and the induction of a type 2 response during RSV infection. Intervening in this innate type 2 inflammatory pathway may have therapeutic implications for severe RSV-induced disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From RSV to hMPV: Role of Innate Immunity in Pathogenesis)

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17 pages, 881 KiB

Open AccessReview

Early-Life Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection, Trained Immunity and Subsequent Pulmonary Diseases

by Carrie-Anne Malinczak, Nicholas W. Lukacs and Wendy Fonseca

Viruses 2020, 12(5), 505; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v12050505 - 04 May 2020

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 5127

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is often the first clinically relevant pathogen encountered in life, with nearly all children infected by two years of age. Many studies have also linked early-life severe respiratory viral infection with more pathogenic immune responses later in life that lead to pulmonary diseases like childhood asthma. This phenomenon is thought to occur through long-term immune system alterations following early-life respiratory viral infection and may include local responses such as unresolved inflammation and/or direct structural or developmental modifications within the lung. Furthermore, systemic responses that could impact the bone marrow progenitors may be a significant cause of long-term alterations, through inflammatory mediators and shifts in metabolic profiles. Among these alterations may be changes in transcriptional and epigenetic programs that drive persistent modifications throughout life, leaving the immune system poised toward pathogenic responses upon secondary insult. This review will focus on early-life severe RSV infection and long-term alterations. Understanding these mechanisms will not only lead to better treatment options to limit initial RSV infection severity but also protect against the development of childhood asthma linked to severe respiratory viral infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From RSV to hMPV: Role of Innate Immunity in Pathogenesis)

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17 pages, 4557 KiB

Open AccessReview

RSV Reprograms the CDK9•BRD4 Chromatin Remodeling Complex to Couple Innate Inflammation to Airway Remodeling

by Allan R. Brasier

Viruses 2020, 12(4), 472; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v12040472 - 22 Apr 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4931

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus infection is responsible for seasonal upper and lower respiratory tract infections worldwide, causing substantial morbidity. Self-inoculation of the virus into the nasopharynx results in epithelial replication and distal spread into the lower respiratory tract. Here, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activates sentinel cells important in the host inflammatory response, resulting in epithelial-derived cytokine and interferon (IFN) expression resulting in neutrophilia, whose intensity is associated with disease severity. I will synthesize key findings describing how RSV replication activates intracellular NFκB and IRF signaling cascades controlling the innate immune response (IIR). Recent studies have implicated a central role for Scg1a1⁺ expressing progenitor cells in IIR, a cell type uniquely primed to induce neutrophilic-, T helper 2 (Th2)-polarizing-, and fibrogenic cytokines that play distinct roles in disease pathogenesis. Molecular studies have linked the positive transcriptional elongation factor-b (P-TEFb), a pleiotrophic chromatin remodeling complex in immediate-early IIR gene expression. Through intrinsic kinase activity of cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) 9 and atypical histone acetyl transferase activity of bromodomain containing protein 4 (BRD4), P-TEFb mediates transcriptional elongation of IIR genes. Unbiased proteomic studies show that the CDK9•BRD4 complex is dynamically reconfigured by the innate response and targets TGFβ-dependent fibrogenic gene networks. Chronic activation of CDK9•BRD4 mediates chromatin remodeling fibrogenic gene networks that cause epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Mesenchymal transitioned epithelial cells elaborate TGFβ and IL6 that function in a paracrine manner to expand the population of subepithelial myofibroblasts. These findings may account for the long-term reduction in pulmonary function in children with severe lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). Modifying chromatin remodeling properties of the CDK9•BRD4 coactivators may provide a mechanism for reducing post-infectious airway remodeling that are a consequence of severe RSV LRTIs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From RSV to hMPV: Role of Innate Immunity in Pathogenesis)

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18 pages, 1780 KiB

Open AccessReview

Non-Coding RNAs and Their Role in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) Infections

by Wenzhe Wu, Eun-Jin Choi, Inhan Lee, Yong Sun Lee and Xiaoyong Bao

Viruses 2020, 12(3), 345; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v12030345 - 21 Mar 2020

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 5525

Abstract

Recent high-throughput sequencing revealed that only 2% of the transcribed human genome codes for proteins, while the majority of transcriptional products are non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Herein, we review the current knowledge regarding ncRNAs, both host- and virus-derived, and their role in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infections. RSV is known as the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in children, while hMPV is also a significant contributor to LRTI in the pediatrics population. Although RSV and hMPV are close members, belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, they induce distinct changes in the ncRNA profile. Several types of host ncRNAs, including long ncRNA (lncRNA), microRNAs (miRNAs), and transfer RNA (tRNA)-derived RNA fragments (tRFs), are involved as playing roles in RSV and/or hMPV infection. Given the importance of ncRNAs in regulating the expression and functions of genes and proteins, comprehensively understanding the roles of ncRNAs in RSV/hMPV infection could shed light upon the disease mechanisms of RSV and hMPV, potentially providing insights into the development of prevention strategies and antiviral therapy. The presence of viral-derived RNAs and the potential of using ncRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers are also discussed in this review. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From RSV to hMPV: Role of Innate Immunity in Pathogenesis)

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