Network analysis reveals age- and virus-specific circuits in nasal epithelial cells of extremely premature infants.

Wisgrill L, Martens A, Kasbauer R, Eigenschink M, Pummer L, Redlberger-Fritz M, Végvári Á, Warth B, Berger A, Fyhrquist N, Alenius H

Allergy 79 (11) 3062-3081 [2024-11-00; online 2024-06-19]

Viral respiratory infections significantly affect young children, particularly extremely premature infants, resulting in high hospitalization rates and increased health-care burdens. Nasal epithelial cells, the primary defense against respiratory infections, are vital for understanding nasal immune responses and serve as a promising target for uncovering underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms. Using a trans-well pseudostratified nasal epithelial cell system, we examined age-dependent developmental differences and antiviral responses to influenza A and respiratory syncytial virus through systems biology approaches. Our studies revealed differences in innate-receptor repertoires, distinct developmental pathways, and differentially connected antiviral network circuits between neonatal and adult nasal epithelial cells. Consensus network analysis identified unique and shared cellular-viral networks, emphasizing highly relevant virus-specific pathways, independent of viral replication kinetics. This research highlights the importance of nasal epithelial cells in innate antiviral immune responses and offers crucial insights that allow for a deeper understanding of age-related differences in nasal epithelial cell immunity following respiratory virus infections.

Bioinformatics Support for Computational Resources [Service]

PubMed 38898695

DOI 10.1111/all.16196

Crossref 10.1111/all.16196