Respiratory Syncytial Virus's Non-structural Proteins: Masters of Interference

Abstract

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a highly prevalent virus that affects the majority of the population. The virus can cause severe disease in vulnerable populations leading to high hospitalization rates from bronchiolitis or secondary bacterial infections leading to pneumonia. Two early and non-structural proteins (Ns1 and Ns2), strongly over-ride the antiviral innate system but also diminish the adaptive response as well. This review will cover interactions of Ns1 and Ns2 with the host antiviral response with a focus on alterations to signaling pathways, cytokine gene expression, and effects of the Ns proteins on mitochondria.