A20 Deficiency in Lung Epithelial Cells Protects against Influenza A Virus Infection.

ABSTRACT: A20 negatively regulates multiple inflammatory signalling pathways. We here addressed the role of A20 in club cells (also known as Clara cells) of the bronchial epithelium in their response to influenza A virus infection. Club cells provide a niche for influenza virus replication, but little is known about the functions of these cells in antiviral immunity. Using airway epithelial cell-specific A20 knockout (A20AEC-KO) mice, we show that A20 in club cells critically controls innate immune responses upon TNF or double stranded RNA stimulation. Surprisingly, A20AEC-KO mice are better protected against influenza A virus challenge than their wild type littermates. This phenotype is not due to decreased viral replication. Instead host innate and adaptive immune responses and lung damage are red

SUBMITTER: Maelfait J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4731390 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature