ID: 247: Anti-inflammatory cytokines as mediators of epithelial repair during influenza infection of the lung
The Influenza A virus causes severe respiratory infections that are a major health problem on a global scale. Annual outbreaks of influenza result in up to 8000 deaths in Canada each year, especially affecting the elderly, the young and others with a compromised immune system. The key to surviving an influenza infection is the generation of a balanced immune response, in which maximum viral clearance occurs with minimum collateral damage. The anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a critical mediator of this balance. We hypothesize that, during an influenza infection, IL-10 not only regulates the immune system but also plays a direct role in the repair and remodelling of lung epithelial tissue. We show that IL-10 is produced throughout an influenza infection, continuing even after the anti-viral immune response ends. IL-10 receptor expression is widespread and includes lung epithelial cells. Experiments to determine the impact of IL-10 on the proliferation and repair of pulmonary epithelial cells are underway. Together our data demonstrate the potential for cytokines to influence the regeneration of stromal tissues, providing new insight into the complex communication between the immune system and the non-hematopoietic cells amongst which immune responses take place.