Eosinophils participate in the immune response against many pathogens, including viruses. Since mouse eosinophils are susceptible to influenza A virus infection and possess antiviral activity, we evaluated the expression of sialic acid residues in human eosinophils and their response against influenza virus in vitro . We demonstrated that human eosinophils express α2,6- and α2,3-linked sialic acid, and drastically reduced influenza virus titer. After influenza virus exposure, eosinophils upregulated retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) mRNA expression, but no other pattern recognition receptors. Finally, high concentrations of interleukin-8 (IL-8) were found in influenza virus-exposed eosinophil cultures. These data suggest that human eosinophils possess antiviral activity and may play a role in the innate immune response to influenza virus.
【저자키워드】 Influenza virus, eosinophil, IL-8, RIG-I, sialic acid,