IFN-γ increases susceptibility to influenza A infection through suppression of group II innate lymphoid cells.

ABSTRACT: Increased levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) are routinely observed in the respiratory tract following influenza virus infection, yet its potential role remains unclear. We now demonstrate that influenza-induced IFN-γ restricts protective innate lymphoid cell group II (ILC2) function in the lung following challenge with the pandemic H1N1 A/CA/04/2009 (CA04) influenza virus. Specifically, IFN-γ deficiency resulted in enhanced ILC2 activity, characterized by increased production of interleukin (IL)-5 and amphiregulin, and improved tissue integrity, yet no change in ILC2 numbers, viral load or clearance. We further found that IFN-γ-deficient mice, as well as wild-type animals treated with neutralizing anti-IFN-γ antibody, exhibited decreased susceptibility to lethal infection with H1N1 CA04 influ

SUBMITTER: Califano D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5693789 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature