Grant: Operating Grant

Infection by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in young children and ederly is associated with acute severe respiratory tract illness, such as broncholitis or pneumonia, which cause substantial morbidity and mortality. Despite intensive research, the development of efficient vaccine or treatment failed. The search for novel RSV treatment remains a priority. More information is needed to understand how the first line of defense, known as innate immune response, is orchestrated. Indeed, although the inflammatory process is a normal response essential to fight against foreign invaders, an exaggerated response correlates with the severity of the virus-associated disease. Our research endeavor is aimed at characterizing the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of this response. Our work specifically focuses on the role of reactive oxygen derivatives, which are produced by the conversion of oxygen by specific enzymes present in the airway epithelium. These derivatives are well known to contribute to tissue damage, but our work and the work from other groups worldwide have shown that these reactive compounds are also critical for the defense against invading viruses. Antioxidants are at the forefront of therapeutic development. We believe that our research is essential to design novel therapeutic agents that are urgently needed to fight respiratory diseases associated with virus infections, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.