TRAIL induction in lung macrophages is IFN-ß-dependent and results in alveolar epithelial apoptosis in IV pneumonia

Introduction: Influenza virus (IV) pneumonia is characterized by rapid progression to lung failure and high mortality. Although lung macrophages have been attributed a significant role in the host defense towards IV, they are as well contributing to alveolar epithelial cell damage and lung barrier dysfunction during IV pneumonia by the release pro-apoptotic mediators such as TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). However, the molecular signals underlying the regulation of TRAIL expression in lung macrophages upon IV infection remain elusive. Results: PR/8 infection of wild-type alveolar macrophages in vi…