Influenza virus infection is associated with a disproportionately high burden of disease

Results from this study complement the previous proteomics data obtained concerning the host response to a viral infection, and further facilitates a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of TGEV infection and Methoxsalen molecular responses of host cells to this virus. Pregnancy is a unique physiologic state that is essential for the survival of all mammalian species. It requires the maternal immune system to perform the seemingly contradictory roles of tolerance to accept the fetus and protection of the mother and fetus from infection and inflammatory insults. Pregnancy has historically been characterized as a state of immune suppression; however, this description oversimplifies the complex physiologic requirements of the progression from implantation and placentation,Phenindione to rapid fetal growth and development, to preparation for delivery. These distinct phases of pregnancy have different physiologic needs and are accompanied by highly regulated hormone alterations, shifting profiles of energy expenditure, and a changing immunological milieu. Given these unique alterations, it stands to reason that pregnant women experience a distinct range of immunological challenges. Together, this raises the clinically relevant question of how the innate immune response to viruses is altered during pregnancy. Influenza virus infection is associated with a disproportionately high burden of disease in pregnant women around the world, during both pandemics and seasonal outbreaks. During the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, for example, pregnant women were at tentimes the risk of severe infection relative to non-pregnant women. There has been extensive documentation of pregnant women infected with influenza virus suffering disproportionately severe respiratory disease and the public health impact of this phenomenon. These severe influenza virus infections are most common late in pregnancy and may lead to serious outcomes such as low gestational weight, preterm birth, and infant failure to thrive, even in the absence of fetal infection. These effects pose significant public health challenges and are of great economic cost worldwide.