Interferon Control of Neurotropic Viral Infections.

Interferon Control of Neurotropic Viral Infections. Trends Immunol. 2019 Aug 19;: Authors: Milora KA, Rall GF Abstract Interferons (IFNs) comprise a pleiotropic family of signaling molecules that are often the first line of defense against viral infection. Inflammatory responses induced by IFN are generally well tolerated during peripheral infections; yet, the same degree of inflammation during infection of the central nervous system (CNS) could be catastrophic. Thus, IFN responses must be modified within the CNS to ensure host survival. In this review, we discuss emerging principles highlighting unique aspects of antiviral effects of IFN protection following neurotropic viral infection, chiefly using new techniques in rodent models. Evaluation of these unique responses provides insights into how the immune system eradicates or controls pathogens, while avoiding host damage. Defining these principles may have direct impact on the development of novel clinical approaches. PMID: 31439415 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Trends in Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Tags: Trends Immunol Source Type: research