Microbiology and immunology
-
Microbiol. Immunol. · Mar 2012
Contribution of neutrophil-derived myeloperoxidase in the early phase of fulminant acute respiratory distress syndrome induced by influenza virus infection.
Because the pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) induced by influenza virus infection remains unknown, we can only improve on existing therapeutic interventions. To approach the subject, we investigated immunological etiology focused on cytokines and an acute lung damage factor in influenza-induced ARDS by using a PR-8 (A/H1N1)-infected mouse model. The infected mouse showed fulminant severe pneumonia with leukocyte infiltration, claudin alteration on tight junctions, and formation of hyaline membranes. ⋯ The absence of MPO reduced inflammatory damage with suppression of leakage of total BALF proteins associated with alteration of claudins in the lung. MPO(-/-) mice also suppressed viral load in the lung. The present study suggests that MPO-mediated OCl(-) generation affects claudin molecules and leads to protein leakage and viral spread as a damage factor in influenza-induced ARDS.