| First Author | Lauder SN | Year | 2013 |
| Journal | Eur J Immunol | Volume | 43 |
| Issue | 10 | Pages | 2613-25 |
| PubMed ID | 23857287 | Mgi Jnum | J:201665 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:5515252 | Doi | 10.1002/eji.201243018 |
| Citation | Lauder SN, et al. (2013) Interleukin-6 limits influenza-induced inflammation and protects against fatal lung pathology. Eur J Immunol 43(10):2613-25 |
| abstractText | Balancing the generation of immune responses capable of controlling virus replication with those causing immunopathology is critical for the survival of the host and resolution of influenza-induced inflammation. Based on the capacity of interleukin-6 (IL-6) to govern both optimal T-cell responses and inflammatory resolution, we hypothesised that IL-6 plays an important role in maintaining this balance. Comparison of innate and adaptive immune responses in influenza-infected wild-type control and IL-6-deficient mice revealed striking differences in virus clearance, lung immunopathology and generation of heterosubtypic immunity. Mice lacking IL-6 displayed a profound defect in their ability to mount an anti-viral T-cell response. Failure to adequately control virus was further associated with an enhanced infiltration of inflammatory monocytes into the lung and an elevated production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, IFN-alpha and TNF-alpha. These events were associated with severe lung damage, characterised by profound vascular leakage and death. Our data highlight an essential role for IL-6 in orchestrating anti-viral immunity through an ability to limit inflammation, promote protective adaptive immune responses and prevent fatal immunopathology. |
