AIM2 Inflammasome Is Critical for Influenza-Induced Lung Injury and Mortality.

ABSTRACT: The absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasome plays an important role in many viral and bacterial infections, but very little is known about its role in RNA virus infection, including influenza A virus (IAV). In this study, we have designed in vivo and in vitro studies to determine the role of AIM2 in infections with lethal doses of IAVs A/PR8/34 and A/California/07/09. In wild-type mice, IAV infection enhanced AIM2 expression, induced dsDNA release, and stimulated caspase-1 activation and release of cleaved IL-1β in the lung, which was significantly reduced in AIM2-deficient mice. Interestingly, AIM2 deficiency did not affect the transcription of caspase-1 and IL-1β. In addition, AIM2-deficient mice exhibited attenuated lung injury and significantly improved survival against IAV challenges

SUBMITTER: Zhang H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5439025 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature