Glucocorticosteroids Found to Exacerbate HMPV Infections Especially in Those with COPD
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 04, 2025 2 days, 2 hours, 50 minutes ago
Medical News: A new study has unveiled the troubling impact of glucocorticosteroids (GCS) on human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections, particularly in individuals suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Conducted by researchers from Monash University in Melbourne, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, University of Canberra, Griffith University, Queensland University of Technology, and Kyushu University in Japan, the study brings to light critical findings about the interaction between GCS and HMPV in the human respiratory system.
Glucocorticosteroids Found to Exacerbate HMPV Infections Especially in Those with COPD
The research focused on primary bronchial epithelial cells (PBECs), which line the airways and are the first point of contact for respiratory viruses. By exposing these cells to HMPV with and without glucocorticosteroids, the team discovered alarming patterns of enhanced viral replication, immune response disruptions, and potential pathways for therapeutic intervention. This
Medical News report unpacks these findings to make them accessible to everyone.
Glucocorticosteroids and HMPV: The Hidden Consequences
HMPV, first identified in 2001, is a respiratory virus similar to the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It has been associated with exacerbations of asthma and COPD, often leading to hospitalizations. Despite being widely used to manage inflammation in respiratory conditions, GCS may inadvertently worsen viral infections, as this study demonstrates.
The research involved PBECs sourced from healthy individuals, asthmatics, and those with COPD. When infected with HMPV, the cells showed robust viral replication, particularly in COPD patients. Alarmingly, when GCS were introduced, the replication rate increased further, contradicting their intended therapeutic role. The mechanism behind this is complex but centers on the suppression of apoptosis - a natural cell death process that helps limit viral spread.
In GCS-treated cells, anti-apoptotic genes were activated, leading to prolonged cell survival and heightened viral replication. At later stages, the infected cells shifted to necrosis, releasing inflammatory signals that could worsen respiratory damage.
Immune Responses and the Role of Interferons
One might expect the immune system to counteract such viral surges, but the study revealed a nuanced picture. While GCS did not significantly suppress the production of interferons - key proteins that orchestrate antiviral defenses - the enhanced viral activity overwhelmed the immune responses. This paradoxical effect illustrates why some COPD patients experience severe exacerbations despite regular GCS use.
The study also found that proinflammatory markers like IP-10 and RANTES were significantly elevated in COPD-affected cells, compounding airway inflammation. These findings highlight how GCS, although beneficial for inflammation control, may amplify the detrimental effects of viral infections.
Promising Solutions: The Int
erferon Advantage
One of the more hopeful aspects of the research was the efficacy of recombinant interferon treatments in mitigating HMPV replication. Both in vitro (cell culture) and in vivo (mouse model) experiments demonstrated that administering interferons - either alone or alongside GCS - markedly reduced viral replication and inflammation.
The murine models showed reduced HMPV titers and less lung tissue damage when treated with interferons. This breakthrough suggests a potential therapeutic pathway for patients with COPD facing severe viral exacerbations. It also underlines the need for further clinical studies to validate these findings in human patients.
Broader Implications for Respiratory Care
This study underscores the need to revisit the widespread use of inhaled GCS in respiratory diseases, especially during viral outbreaks. While their anti-inflammatory properties provide symptom relief and improve quality of life for many patients, their potential to exacerbate viral infections like HMPV demands caution.
For clinicians, these findings may pave the way for tailored treatment strategies, including the selective use of interferons as an adjunct therapy. Public health measures, too, could benefit from increased awareness about the risks associated with GCS during viral seasons.
Study Conclusions
The research concludes that HMPV infections are significantly exacerbated in the presence of glucocorticosteroids, particularly in COPD patients. The enhanced viral replication linked to suppressed apoptosis and increased necrosis highlights a critical drawback of GCS therapy. On a brighter note, the study establishes the potential of interferon-based treatments to counteract these effects, offering a promising avenue for better management of viral exacerbations in chronic respiratory diseases.
While the findings reveal a pressing need for cautious GCS usage, they also open doors to innovative therapeutic approaches. The integration of interferons into treatment regimens could revolutionize care for vulnerable populations, ensuring both symptom management and robust antiviral defense.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: The Journal of Infectious Diseases.
https://academic.oup.com/jid/article/215/10/1536/3097908
For the latest HMPV News, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/human-metapneumovirus-hpmv-impairs-lung-cd8-t-cells
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/scientists-from-chile-discover-that-human-metapneumovirus-infections-also-affect-both-innate-and-adaptive-intestinal-immunity
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/understanding-human-metapneumovirus-fusion-mechanism
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/hmpv-human-metapneumovirus
Share
Tweet
Share
