Modeling immune responses for protection to lethal viral infections

Mild respiratory infections occurring prior to lethal viral infections can provide significant protection against severe disease outcomes. This protective effect has been observed in two major respiratory pathogens: influenza A and SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we investigate how prior infection with a mild infection (rhinovirus or influenza) confers protection against mortality from a subsequent lethal dose of SARS-CoV-2 or influenza. Our results show that early immune activation by the initial mild infection modulates the host response to the later, more severe infection. To better understand the mechanisms underlying this protection, we apply statistical and mathematical modeling in collaboration with mouse experiments. Our analysis highlights immune pathways and signatures associated with reduced morbidity and mortality during sequential infection. These findings provide new insights into cross-protective immunity and underscore the importance of timing and sequence in respiratory viral infections, with potential implications for vaccine strategies and therapeutic interventions.

Modeling immune responses for protection to lethal viral infections

Monday, July 14 at 6:00pm in

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Havilah Neujahr

"Modeling immune responses for protection to lethal viral infections"

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