Influenza
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Scientists at INSERM detail research in influenza immunology
2007 NOV 19 -- Data detailed in 'Influenza virus-induced type I interferon leads to polyclonal B-cell activation but does not break down B-cell tolerance' have been presented. According to a study from Strasbourg, France, "The link between infection and autoimmunity is not yet well understood. This study was designed to evaluate if an acute viral infection known to induce type I interferon production, like influenza, can by itself be responsible for the breakdown of immune tolerance and for autoimmunity." "We first tested the effects of influenza virus on B cells in vitro. We then infected different transgenic mice expressing human rheumatoid factors (RF) in the absence or in the constitutive presence of the autoantigen (human immunoglobulin G [IgG]) and young lupus-prone mice [(NZB x NZW)F(1)] with influenza virus and looked for B-cell activation. In vitro, the virus induces B-cell activation through type I interferon production by non-B cells but does not directly stimulate purified B cells. In vivo, both RF and non-RF B cells were activated in an autoantigen-independent manner. This activation was abortive since IgM and IgM-RF production levels were not increased in infected mice compared to uninfected controls, whether or not anti-influenza virus human IgG was detected and even after viral rechallenge. As in RF transgenic mice, acute viral infection of (NZB x NZW)F(1) mice induced only an abortive activation of B cells and no increase in autoantibody production compared to uninfected animals," wrote A. Woods and colleagues, INSERM. The researchers concluded: "Taken together, these experiments show that virus-induced acute type I interferon production is not able by itself to break down B-cell tolerance in both normal and autoimmune genetic backgrounds." Woods and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Virology (Influenza virus-induced type I interferon leads to polyclonal B-cell activation but does not break down B-cell tolerance. Journal of Virology, 2007;81(22):12525-34). For more information, contact A. Woods, Universite Louis Pasteur, INSERM U737, Hopitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France. Publisher contact information for the Journal of Virology is: American Society Microbiology, 1752 N St. NW, Washington, DC 20036-2904, USA. Keywords: France, Strasbourg, Influenza Immunology, Autoimmune Disease, Autoimmune Disorder, Flu, Immunology, Influenza, Influenza Virus, Interferon, Viral Research, Virology. This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.
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