What came first, the virus or the egg: Innate immunity during viral coinfections

Abstract

Infections with any pathogen can be severe and present with numerous complications caused by the pathogen or the host immune response to the invading microbe. However, coinfections, also called polymicrobial infections or secondary infections, can further exacerbate disease. Coinfections are more common than is often appreciated. In this review, we focus specifically on coinfections between viruses and other viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi. Importantly, innate immune signaling and innate immune cells that facilitate clearance of the initial viral infection can affect host susceptibility to coinfections. Understanding these immune imbalances may facilitate better diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of such coinfections.

Department(s)

Biology

Document Type

Article

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1111/imr.12911

Keywords

coinfection, immune signaling, inflammation, innate immunity, polymicrobial infection, secondary infection

Publication Date

9-1-2020

Journal Title

Immunological Reviews

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