Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) ligands supply a protective effect in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-infected human lung epithelial cells

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is worldwide the leading cause for severe lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in infants requiring hospitalization. Evidence accumulated that RSV-induced LRTI leads to bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and airway hyperresponsiveness. Persistent lung function abnormalities were even observed 20 years following RSV infection. Currently, there exists neither an active vaccine nor a promising antiviral or antiinflammatory therapy. During the onset of RSV infection the viral lytic replication process, the fulminant cytopathic effect mediated by the viral fusion protein (F pr…