Mechanisms and Consequences of Phagocytosis of Influenza Virus-Infected Cells

Title: Mechanisms and Consequences of Phagocytosis of Influenza Virus-Infected Cells

Volume: 7 Issue: 2

Author(s): Yoshinobu Nakanishi, Yumi Hashimoto, Takenori Takizawa and Akiko Shiratsuchi

Affiliation:

Keywords: Apoptosis, influenza virus, innate immunity, macrophages, neutrophils, phagocytosis, phosphatidylserine

Abstract: Influenza virus-infected cells are induced to undergo apoptosis and become susceptible to phagocytosis. Data from our in vitro and in vivo experiments have suggested that 1) alveolar macrophages and neutrophils phagocytose influenza virus-infected cells in an apoptosis-dependent manner; 2) the membrane phospholipid phosphatidylserine and viral neuraminidase-processed carbohydrates at the surface of target cells and phagocytes, respectively, are involved in the association of the two types of cells; and 3) phagocytic elimination of virus-infected cells leads to a reduction in the pathogenesis of influenza. These findings could lead to the development of a novel antiviral agent against influenza.

Cite this article as:

Nakanishi Yoshinobu, Hashimoto Yumi, Takizawa Takenori and Shiratsuchi Akiko, Mechanisms and Consequences of Phagocytosis of Influenza Virus-Infected Cells, Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry 2008; 7 (2) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/187152308784533122