Immunity towards human respiratory syncytial virus

Abstract

Respiratory infections remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, becoming a serious public health issue worldwide. The human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is still one of the most relevant pathogenic agents involved in respiratory infections in children, the leading cause of bronchiolitis worldwide. In most cases, hRSV infection is not complicated; however, limited treatment and vaccine options increase the morbidity rates associated with bronchiolitis. The innate immune response governs the severity of the disease and controls the viral infection outcome. Current knowledge about the mechanisms involved in viral PAMPs (pathogen-associated molecular pattern molecules) recognition, genetic characteristics of the inflammatory response, and understanding of antiviral response is crucial for vaccine development and biomarker tools to predict complications and guide therapeutic management. Here, we review key concepts related to pathogenesis and immune response against hRSV, highlighting aspects that could be considered in vaccine development.