Microbiota regulation of viral infections through interferon signaling

The interferon (IFN) response is the major early innate immune response against invading viral pathogens and is even capable of mediating sterilizing antiviral immunity without the support of the adaptive immune system. Cumulative evi-dence suggests that the gut microbiota can modulate IFN responses, indirectly determining virological outcomes. This review outlines our current knowledge of the interactions between the gut microbiota and IFN responses and dissects the different mechanisms by which the gut microbiota may alter IFN expression to diverse viral infections. This knowledge offers a basis for translating experimental evidence from animal studies into the human context and identifies avenues for leveraging the gut microbiota-IFN-virus axis to improve control of viral infections and performance of viral vaccines.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the modulation of interferon response by gut microbiota and the mechanisms by which gut microbiota alters interferon expression in viral infections. It provides a basis for translating animal experimental evidence into human studies and identifies potential strategies for improving control of viral infections and viral vaccine efficacy through targeting the gut microbiota-IFN-virus axis.