Host-cell pathways modulated by influenza virus infection: new insight into pathogenetic mechanisms and cell-targeted antiviral strategies

Influenza virus uses different strategies to manipulate the host cell machinery to its advantage favoring its replication. Among the cellular factors affected by the virus, the modulation of the intracellular redox state represents a main event upon the infection. The induction of oxidative stress conditions in the host cell in turn activates redox-sensitive pathways that control viral replication and inflammatory response.

The characterization of the complex network of virus-host interactions represents a promising challenge to understanding the mechanisms at the basis of viral pathogenesis, the progression, and the outcome of viral disease. Moreover, the identification of specific cellular pathways involved in controlling viral replication and its association with the extent of the inflammatory response may open the way for the discovery of new cell-targeted approaches against influenza virus infections as alternative strategies to overcome the serious problem of antiviral resistance associated with the use of virus-targeted therapies.

The goal of this Research Topic is to report the more recent advances in the identification of cellular factors and pathways that are involved, at different levels, in controlling influenza virus replication and/or regulating the host inflammatory response to the infection. The Research Topic aims at integrating the current knowledge about the identification of redox pathways modulated by the infection as well as mechanisms at the basis of the virus-induced redox imbalance. The topic also highlights the current research concerning the identification of novel host cell-targeted therapeutic approaches to block viral replication alongside dysregulated inflammatory response.

We welcome Original Research Articles, Brief Research Reports, and Review Articles. Specific sub-themes of interest include:

1. Redox and metabolic alteration upon influenza virus infections

2. Molecular and epigenetic mechanisms underlying host-response to the infection

3. Dysregulation of immune response upon influenza virus infection

4. Viral structures modulating host-cell pathways

5. Role of cellular metabolism on susceptibility to influenza virus infection

6. New influenza virus vaccination strategies

7. Cell targeted antiviral/antinflammatory strategies against influenza virus infection