TLR4 antagonists as influenza drugs

摘要

With the influenza virus continually evolving, and resistance to existing antiviral therapies spreading, there is a pressing need for new anti-influenza therapies. Previous work has shown that TLR4 signalling mediates influenza-induced acute lung injury, cytokine production and systemic effects in mice. Stefanie Vogel and colleagues now report that Eritoran, a synthetic TLR4 antagonist, can protect mice from death when administered up to six days after infection with the influenza virus. Existing antivirals must be administered within three days of infection to be effective. The work suggests that TLR4 antagonists may be effective against influenza, and could usefully extend the period during which the infection can be effectively treated.