Hantavirus immunology

Viral Immunol. 2002;15(4):609-25. doi: 10.1089/088282402320914548.

Abstract

Two clinical syndromes are associated with hantavirus infection in humans: hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Autopsy findings typically reveal a common feature of increased permeability in microvascular beds, suggesting vascular endothelium is a prime target for virus infection. Endothelial cells are susceptible to hantavirus infection; however, virus does not cause cytopathic effects, to explain increased endothelium permeability. Therefore, immune mechanisms were suggested to play a crucial role in hantavirus pathogenesis. In this review, we summarize data on hantavirus-induced immune disturbances and discuss their implication in capillary leakage caused by hantavirus infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Endothelium, Vascular / cytology
  • Endothelium, Vascular / immunology*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / virology
  • Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome / immunology*
  • Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome / physiopathology*
  • Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome / immunology*
  • Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Orthohantavirus / immunology
  • Orthohantavirus / pathogenicity*