Novel Protective Mechanism for Interleukin-33 at the Mucosal Barrier during Influenza-associated Bacterial Super-infection

Influenza A is a highly contagious respiratory virus that causes seasonal epidemics and occasional worldwide pandemics. The primary cause of influenza-related mortality is bacterial super-infection. There are numerous mechanisms by which preceding influenza infection attenuates host defense, allowin...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Mucosal immunology 2017-04, Vol.11 (1), p.199-208
Main Authors: Robinson, Keven M., Ramanan, Krishnaveni, Clay, Michelle E., McHugh, Kevin J., Rich, Helen E., Alcorn, John F.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Influenza A is a highly contagious respiratory virus that causes seasonal epidemics and occasional worldwide pandemics. The primary cause of influenza-related mortality is bacterial super-infection. There are numerous mechanisms by which preceding influenza infection attenuates host defense, allowing for increased susceptibility to bacterial pneumonia. Herein, we demonstrate that influenza inhibits Staphylococcus aureus -induced production of IL-33. Restoration of IL-33 during influenza A and MRSA super-infection enhanced bacterial clearance and improved mortality. ILC2s and alternatively activated macrophages are not required for IL-33 mediated protection during super-infection. We show that IL-33 treatment resulted in neutrophil recruitment to the lung, associated with improved bacterial clearance. These findings identify a novel role for IL-33 in anti-bacterial host defense at the mucosal barrier.
ISSN:1933-0219
1935-3456
DOI:10.1038/mi.2017.32