Influenza virus activation of the interferon system

Virus Res. 2015 Nov 2:209:11-22. doi: 10.1016/j.virusres.2015.02.003. Epub 2015 Feb 9.

Abstract

The host interferon (IFN) response represents one of the first barriers that influenza viruses must surmount in order to establish an infection. Many advances have been made in recent years in understanding the interactions between influenza viruses and the interferon system. In this review, we summarise recent work regarding activation of the type I IFN response by influenza viruses, including attempts to identify the viral RNA responsible for IFN induction, the stage of the virus life cycle at which it is generated and the role of defective viruses in this process.

Keywords: Influenza viruses; Innate immunity; Interferon; RIG-I.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Defective Viruses / immunology
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions*
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate*
  • Interferon Type I / metabolism*
  • Orthomyxoviridae / immunology*
  • Orthomyxoviridae / physiology*

Substances

  • Interferon Type I