Immunomodulation in Viral Infections

Durgadas Govind Naik

doi:10.37591/rrjoi.v7i2.4

Abstract

Several studies conducted over a period of two decades established that hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis is activated during systemic viral diseases. Modulation of the Th1/Th2 balance may affect the susceptibility to or the course of infections. Reduction of T and B lymphocytes are reported during influenza virus infection. This modulation leads to limited immune response. The brain areas involved in the regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis are affected during viral infection. Human immunodeficiency viruses after entering into central nervous system are localized in areas that regulate hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis. Antiretroviral drugs do not cross the blood-brain barrier in therapeutic concentrations. It appears that there is a complex interaction among hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal gland and their products with immune system. This activation leads to a shift to Th2 response.Keywords: Cytokines, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis, influenza virus, human immunodeficiency virus, hormonesCite this ArticleDurgadas Govind Naik. Immunomodulation in viral infections. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Immunology. 2017; 7(2): 5–8p.