Immune responses to bacterial lung infections and their implications for vaccination

Journal Publication ResearchOnline@JCU
Muruganandah, Visai;Kupz, Andreas
Abstract

The pulmonary immune system plays a vital role in protecting the delicate structures of gaseous exchange against invasion from bacterial pathogens. With antimicrobial resistance becoming an increasing concern, finding novel strategies to develop vaccines against bacterial lung diseases remains a top priority. In order to do so, a continued expansion of our understanding of the pulmonary immune response is warranted. Whilst some aspects are well characterised, emerging paradigms such as the importance of innate cells and inducible immune structures in mediating protection provide avenues of potential to rethink our approach to vaccine development. In this review, we aim to provide a broad overview of both the innate and adaptive immune mechanisms in place to protect the pulmonary tissue from invading bacterial organisms. We use specific examples from several infection models and human studies to depict the varying functions of the pulmonary immune system that may be manipulated in future vaccine development. Particular emphasis has been placed on emerging themes that are less reviewed and underappreciated in vaccine development studies.

Journal

International Immunology

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Volume

34

ISBN/ISSN

1460-2377

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Issue

5

Pages Count

36

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Publisher

Oxford University Press

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DOI

10.1093/intimm/dxab109