Influenza virus directly infects human natural killer cells and induces cell apoptosis

Huawei Mao, Wenwei Tu, Gang Qin, Ka Wai Helen Law, Fun Sia Sin, Ping Lung Chan, Yinping Liu, Kwok Tai Lam, Jian Zheng, Malik Peiris, Yu Lung Lau

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

127 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Influenza is an acute respiratory viral disease that is transmitted in the first few days of infection. Evasion of host innate immune defenses, including natural killer (NK) cells, is important for the virus's success as a pathogen of humans and other animals. NK cells encounter influenza viruses within the microenvironment of infected cells and are important for host innate immunity during influenza virus infection. It is therefore important to investigate the direct effects of influenza virus on NK cells. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time that influenza virus directly infects and replicates in primary human NK cells. Viral entry into NK cells was mediated by both clathrin- and caveolin-dependent endocytosis rather than through macropinocytosis and was dependent on the sialic acids on cell surfaces. In addition, influenza virus infection induced a marked apoptosis of NK cells. Our findings suggest that influenza virus can directly target and kill NK cells, a potential novel strategy of influenza virus to evade the NK cell innate immune defense that is likely to facilitate viral transmission and may also contribute to virus pathogenesis.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)9215-9222
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Virology
Volume83
Issue number18
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2009
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Insect Science
  • Virology

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