Recent Insights into the Molecular Mechanisms of the Toll-like Receptor Response to Influenza Virus Infection

• Published in: International journal of molecular sciences Vol. 25; no. 11; p. 5909
• Main Authors: Kayesh, Mohammad Enamul Hoque, Kohara, Michinori, Tsukiyama-Kohara, Kyoko
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 01.06.2024; MDPI
• Subjects: adjuvant; Animals; Avian flu; Bacterial infections; Cytokines; Dengue fever; Glycoproteins; Health aspects; Host-Pathogen Interactions - immunology; Humans; Immune response; Immune system; Immunity, Innate; Infections; Influenza; Influenza A virus - immunology; Influenza vaccines; Influenza Vaccines - immunology; influenza virus; Influenza viruses; Influenza, Human - immunology; Influenza, Human - virology; Kinases; Medical research; Medicine, Experimental; Neutrophils; Pathogens; Proteins; Review; RNA polymerase; Signal Transduction; TLR agonist; Toll-like receptor; Toll-Like Receptors - metabolism; Vaccines; Viral infections; Viruses; influenza virus; adjuvant; Toll-like receptor; TLR agonist
• ISSN: 1422-0067; 1661-6596; 1422-0067
• DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115909

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) pose a significant global threat to human health. A tightly controlled host immune response is critical to avoid any detrimental effects of IAV infection. It is critical to investigate the association between the response of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and influenza virus. Because TLRs may act as a double-edged sword, a balanced TLR response is critical for the overall benefit of the host. Consequently, a thorough understanding of the TLR response is essential for targeting TLRs as a novel therapeutic and prophylactic intervention. To date, a limited number of studies have assessed TLR and IAV interactions. Therefore, further research on TLR interactions in IAV infection should be conducted to determine their role in host-virus interactions in disease causation or clearance of the virus. Although influenza virus vaccines are available, they have limited efficacy, which should be enhanced to improve their efficacy. In this study, we discuss the current status of our understanding of the TLR response in IAV infection and the strategies adopted by IAVs to avoid TLR-mediated immune surveillance, which may help in devising new therapeutic or preventive strategies. Furthermore, recent advances in the use of TLR agonists as vaccine adjuvants to enhance influenza vaccine efficacy are discussed.