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Title: IL-4 induction in RSV-infected macrophages: examining the role of NFAT family members

Author
item LEVY, NYSSA - ISU, GRADUATE STUDENT
item FACH, SASHA - ISU, GRADUATE STUDENT
item Sacco, Randy

Submitted to: American Association of Immunologists Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/29/2007
Publication Date: 4/12/2007
Citation: Levy, N.A., Fach, S.J., Sacco, R.E. 2007. IL-4 induction in RSV-infected macrophages: examining the role of NFAT family members [abstract]. American Association of Immunologists Proceedings. 178:B128.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the leading cause of respiratory illness in infants, causing severe bronchiolitis and pneumonia. In the lung, alveolar macrophages are important antigen presenting cells responsible for pathogen clearance, antigen presentation and cytokine production. The effect of RSV infection on alveolar macrophages is not currently well understood. The objective of our studies was to characterize the alveolar macrophages response following bovine RSV (bRSV) infection. Previously, we have shown that bRSV infects alveolar macrophages as detected by immunofluorescence. Active bRSV replication within alveolar macrophages was confirmed by real time PCR analysis of viral NS2 mRNA. Interestingly, we have also found by real time PCR that bRSV infection induces alveolar macrophages to upregulate the mRNA transcription of genes encoding immunomodulatory mediators, IL-4 and IL-10. Presently, we are examining the role of NFAT family members in the induction of IL-4 transcription of RSV-infected macrophages. Production of IL-4 by alveolar macrophages is of particular significance because of the association of RSV and TH2-associated chronic lung disease.