Update on the Immune Mechanisms Against Respiratory Pathogens

Book excerpt: Respiratory infections are leading causes of mortality and morbidity, with Tuberculosis and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) culminating in almost 5 million deaths per year. Respiratory tract infections pose a continuous threat to humans due to their easy dissemination via aerial transmission. Children under the age of five living in developing countries are the most susceptible hosts to a plethora of bacteria and viruses including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bordetella pertussis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Influenza virus, Respiratory syncytial virus and metapneumovirus. Likewise, adult patients suffering from underlying chronic respiratory diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), bronchiectasis or neutrophilic asthma are also highly targeted by LRTIs. Despite vaccination saving millions of lives, the growing emergence of antibiotic resistant strains is a major challenge for the coming years. In addition, some vaccines against particular respiratory pathogens are ineffective in providing long-term protection. Accordingly, an enhanced understanding of host immunity to respiratory infections is essential for developing new and more effective microbial- and host-directed therapeutics. This eBook will provide a comprehensive overview of the microbial factors and the host immune mechanisms that determine the control of lung infection and/or the development of lung diseases. Manuscripts included in this eBook are divided in four chapters and cover these aspects of immunology against respiratory pathogens: -Pathogen targets for immune recognition including membrane-anchored and secreted effector molecules. -Specific roles of immune cell subsets in response to respiratory infections spanning both innate and adaptive immunity. -Host factors involved in pathogen recognition in the respiratory system including cytosolic DNA sensors. -New prophylactic and/or therapeutic strategies against respiratory infections.