IFITM3 restricts the morbidity and mortality associated with influenza

摘要

Background: The 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic showed the speed with which a novel respiratory virus can spread and the ability of a generally mild infection to induce severe morbidity and mortality in an unfortunate few. Recent in vitro studies show that the interferon-inducible transmembrane (IFITM) protein family members potently restrict the replication of multiple pathogenic viruses. Both the magnitude and breadth of the IFITM proteins’ in vitro effects suggest they are critical for intrinsic resistance to such viruses, including influenza viruses.