Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the leading causes of severe
respiratory diseases in children, especially in infants. RSV infections
result in an estimated $80 billion each year in economic losses
globally. The immune responses induced by RSV infection are a fairly
complex process that can contribute significantly to disease severity.
Despite decades of research on RSV, many immune mechanisms remain to be
explored. Despite substantial progress in vaccine development and the
development of monoclonal antibodies over the years, there are still not
enough effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. Recently, Pfizer
developed a pre-fusion F subunit vaccine for preventing RSV infection in
infants, the only vaccine currently approved by the FDA. This review
focuses on how the immune system reacts when children contract the
respiratory syncytial virus. We described the biological characteristics
of RSV, the pathological process of RSV infection, innate
immunity(including Pattern Recognition Receptors and inflammatory
cells), adaptive immunity (including CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and Humoral
Immune Response), and immune evasion. Understanding the complicated
immune response to RSV infection is essential for developing effective
interventions and vaccine developments. This review will enable an
appreciation of how RSV affects the immune system and enhance the
advancement of pragmatic therapeutic methodologies.