Avian Influenza

Researchers from Mahidol University, Department of Microbiology provide details of new studies and findings in the area of bird flu

Avian Influenza Library Library Home This article was published in Health Risk Factor Week, which you can subscribe to online.

"The underlying mechanisms for this effect are still unclear. In this study, we investigate the interplay between avian influenza H5N1 and human dendritic cells (DC). We showed that H5N1 virus can infect and replicate in monocyte-derived and blood myeloid DC, leading to cell death. These results suggest that H5N1 escapes viral-specific immunity, and could disseminate via DC. In contrast, blood pDC were resistant to infection and produced high amounts of IFN-alpha," wrote A. Thitithanyanont and colleagues, Mahidol University, Department of Microbiology.

The researchers concluded: "Addition of this cytokine to monocyte-derived DC or pretreatment with TLR ligands protected against infection and the cytopathic effects of H5N1 virus."

Thitithanyanont and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Immunology (High susceptibility of human dendritic cells to avian influenza H5N1 virus infection and protection by IFN-alpha and TLR ligands. Journal of Immunology, 2007;179(8):5220-7).

For additional information, contact A. Thitithanyanont, Faculty of Science, Dept. of Microbiology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.

Publisher contact information for the Journal of Immunology is: American Association Immunologists, 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.

Keywords: Thailand, Bangkok, Avian Flu, Avian Influenza, Bird Flu, Immunology, Viral, Virus.

This article was prepared by Health Risk Factor Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Health Risk Factor Week via NewsRx.com.