title: Respiratory syncytial virus--viral biology and the host response.
abstract: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most important cause of respiratory tract infection in infants. We have an incomplete understanding of the reasons why some infants are more severely affected by RSV than others. There is no effective antiviral treatment for the infection. Advances in our understanding of the biology of RSV, particularly in relation to the attachment protein G and the fusion protein F, have revealed potential targets for new antiviral therapies and vaccine development. In response to RSV infection an intense inflammatory response is triggered, mediated initially by the infected airway epithelial cells. Cell mediated responses are important in controlling the extent of infection and in viral clearance. Humoral responses are important in protection. There is early evidence that genetic variation of the host response can influence the outcome of RSV-induced bronchiolitis.
authors.affiliation: International Child Health Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK. doug.hacking@imm.ox.ac.uk
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hacking
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hull
mesh_terms: D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D016679:Genome, Viral; D006801:Humans; D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology*; D012136:Respiratory Syncytial Viruses / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology*; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology