Viral Interference between Respiratory Viruses

Multiple respiratory viruses can concurrently or sequentially infect the respiratory tract and lead to virus-virus interactions. Infection by a first virus could enhance or reduce infection and replication of a second virus, resulting in positive (additive or synergistic) or negative (antagonistic) interaction. The concept of viral interference has been demonstrated at the cellular, host, and population levels. The mechanisms involved in viral interference have been evaluated in differentiated airway epithelial cells and in animal models susceptible to the respiratory viruses of interest. A likely mechanism is the interferon response that could confer a temporary nonspecific immunity to the host. During the coronavirus disease pandemic, nonpharmacologic interventions have prevented the circulation of most respiratory viruses. Once the sanitary restrictions are lifted, circulation of seasonal respiratory viruses is expected to resume and will offer the opportunity to study their interactions, notably with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

Automated summary

Multiple respiratory viruses can infect the respiratory tract simultaneously or sequentially and interact with each other. The interaction between a first virus and a second virus may enhance or reduce infection and replication, resulting in positive or negative interactions. The interferon response is likely a mechanism that provides temporary nonspecific immunity to the host. Studying the interactions among respiratory viruses is important for understanding their transmission and control.