Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Mar 16, 2025 6 hours, 10 minutes ago
Medical News: A new study from researchers at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine has uncovered key differences in how children and adults respond to two common respiratory viruses - human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These viruses are major causes of respiratory infections, particularly in infants, young children, and the elderly. The study provides valuable insights that could lead to better treatments and preventive measures for severe respiratory illnesses in children.
How Children and Adults Differ in Their Response to HMPV and RSV Viruses
How the Study Was Conducted
To understand the differences in immune responses between pediatric and adult airways, researchers used human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells grown in a special air–liquid interface culture system. This setup mimics the architecture of the lower respiratory tract, allowing scientists to observe how cells react to viral infections under realistic conditions. This
Medical News report focuses on key findings from the study, including viral replication rates, immune responses, and inflammation levels.
The study compared NHBE cells from both pediatric (aged 17 months to 7 years) and adult (aged 32 to 48 years) donors. The cells were infected with either RSV or HMPV, and their reactions were closely monitored over time.
Children Show Higher Viral Load for HMPV but Similar RSV Levels
One of the most striking findings was that pediatric airway cells had a much higher viral load of HMPV compared to adult cells. This suggests that HMPV replicates more efficiently in children, which may explain why younger patients often experience more severe symptoms when infected. In contrast, RSV replicated at similar levels in both pediatric and adult airway cells, suggesting that the body's defense mechanisms against RSV are not as age-dependent as they are for HMPV.
Weaker Antiviral Response in Children
The study also examined how the body’s antiviral defenses respond to infection. One of the most important immune responses against viruses is the production of interferons (IFNs), proteins that help slow viral spread and activate other immune cells. Researchers found that adult airway cells produced significantly higher levels of certain interferons (IFN-α2, IFN-β, IFN-ε, IFN-λ1, and IFN-λ2/3) in response to RSV and HMPV compared to pediatric cells. However, pediatric cells produced higher levels of IFN-ω, a lesser-known interferon whose role in fighting respiratory viruses is still being studied.
Since interferons play a major role in controlling viral replication, the weaker response seen in pediatric cells could contribute to why children are more vulnerable to severe lung infections caused by these viruses.
Inflammatory Reactions Vary by Age
Inflammatory cytokines - signaling molecules that trigger the immune response - also behaved diffe
rently in children and adults. Adult cells produced higher levels of key inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α. In contrast, pediatric cells had lower cytokine production, which may suggest a delayed or weaker immune response. However, RSV-infected pediatric cells triggered a much stronger inflammatory reaction in immune cells called dendritic cells, leading to excessive inflammation. This overreaction of the immune system could be one of the reasons why RSV is so dangerous for young children.
More Mucus Production in Pediatric Cells
Another important finding was that pediatric airway cells produced more mucus than adult cells when infected with RSV. Mucus is a critical defense mechanism that helps trap and clear pathogens, but excessive mucus production can lead to airway obstruction and breathing difficulties. The researchers found that the genes responsible for mucus production (MUC5AC and MUC5B) were significantly more active in pediatric cells than in adult cells after RSV infection. This increased mucus response may explain why RSV infections in young children often result in severe breathing difficulties and hospitalizations.
What These Findings Mean for Future Treatments
This study highlights key differences in how pediatric and adult airways respond to HMPV and RSV infections. The higher viral loads, weaker interferon response, and excessive mucus production in pediatric cells may explain why children are more prone to severe respiratory illness caused by these viruses. Additionally, the increased inflammatory response in dendritic cells suggests that excessive immune activation plays a role in the severity of RSV infections in young children.
Understanding these age-related differences could help in the development of better-targeted therapies for pediatric respiratory infections. For example, treatments that boost interferon responses in children or reduce excessive mucus production could improve outcomes for young patients. Further research is needed to explore potential treatments and vaccines specifically designed for children.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Viruses.
https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/3/380
For the latest on HMPV and RSV viruses, keep on logging to Thailand
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