Influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and Their Impact on Chronic Lung Diseases and Fibrosis: Exploring Therapeutic Options.

Respiratory tract infections represent a significant global public health concern, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. RNA viruses, particularly influenza viruses and coronaviruses, significantly contribute to respiratory illnesses, especially in immunosuppressed and elderly individuals. Influenza A viruses (IAVs) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continue to pose global health threats due to their capacity to cause annual epidemics, with profound implications for public health. In addition, the increase in global life expectancy is influencing the dynamics and outcomes of respiratory viral infections. Understanding the molecular mechanisms by which IAVs and SARS-CoV-2 contribute to lung disease progression is therefore crucial. The aim of this review is to comprehensively explore the impact of IAVs and SARS-CoV-2 on chronic lung diseases, with a specific focus on pulmonary fibrosis in the elderly. It also outlines potential preventive and therapeutic strategies and suggests directions for future research. Copyright © 2024 American Society for Investigative Pathology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Citation

Sourabh Soni, Laura Antonescu, Kaylin Ro, Jeffrey C Horowitz, Yohannes A Mebratu, Richard S Nho. Influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and Their Impact on Chronic Lung Diseases and Fibrosis: Exploring Therapeutic Options. The American journal of pathology. 2024 Oct;194(10):1807-1822

Mesh Tags

PMID: 39032604

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