Innate immunity to influenza virus infection

The recognition of influenza virus by multiple pattern recognition receptors initiates numerous defence mechanisms to control disease through their effects on antiviral resistance and disease tolerance. Here, the authors review these mechanisms and discuss how the treatment of influenza virus-initiated diseases should promote both of these protective strategies to improve host fitness. Influenza viruses are a major pathogen of both humans and animals. Recent studies using gene-knockout mice have led to an in-depth understanding of the innate sensors that detect influenza virus infection in a variety of cell types. Signalling downstream of these sensors induces distinct sets of effector mechanisms that block virus replication and promote viral clearance by inducing innate and adaptive immune responses. In this Review, we discuss the various ways in which the innate immune system uses pattern recognition receptors to detect and respond to influenza virus infection. We consider whether the outcome of innate sensor stimulation promotes antiviral resistance or disease tolerance, and propose rational treatment strategies for the acute respiratory disease that is caused by influenza virus infection.