IL-27 balances the immune response to influenza and reduces lung damage
Thursday, May 8, 2014 - 18:30
in Health & Medicine
Highly pathogenic (dangerous) influenza strains elicit a strong immune response which can lead to uncontrolled inflammation in the lung and potentially fatal lung injury. A new study demonstrates the importance of IL-27 for the control of immunopathology -- damage to the lung tissue caused by the immune system -- and the therapeutic potential of well-timed IL-27 application to treat life-threatening inflammation during lung infection.