Resistance to Viral Infection by Stimulation of Innate Immunity

ISBN-13: 9783838106557 / Angielski / Miękka / 2009 / 236 str.

Cline Robert-Tissot

Opis

Viral diseases represent a considerable threat to humans and animals worldwide.Although vaccination confers protection to a large variety of infectiousagents, the currently most dangerous pathogens are those "emerging" viruses,such as HIV, SARS and avian flu. The devastating potential of such seriousdiseases pressures the development of novel strategies to help reducethe risk of a pandemic. Recent insights into innate immunity have shed lightupon its crucial role in host protection against infectious agents in both generatingan immediate response against invading pathogens and promotingeffective adaptive immune mechanisms. Targeting the innate immune systemwith highly selective molecules represents therefore a powerful meansto enhance host antiviral resistance. For studies in this field, the domestic catappears to be an ideal model, as it is an out-bred species naturally affectedby a wide range of viruses that resemble in their biological properties thoseaffecting humans. In this respect, the author discusses the possibility of enhancingresistance to FIV by modulating the feline innate immune system, aswell as its implications for future medical research.