Brothers in arms: Commensal bacteria help fight viruses (infections, immunity, better)

[Brian.Pearson]

"It is remarkable that signals derived from one type of microbe, in this case bacteria, can have such a profound effect on immune responses to viruses that are a very different type of microbe," says first author Abt. "Just like we would set a thermostat to regulate when a heater should come on, our studies indicate that signals derived from commensal bacteria are required to set the activation threshold of the immune system."


Taken together, these lines of evidence indicate that signals from commensal bacteria beneficially stimulate immune cells in a way that is optimal for antiviral immunity. "Although more work needs to be done, these findings could illuminate new ways to promote better immunity to potentially life-threatening viral infections," adds Artis.