Mice lacking Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) have previously been shown to be highly refractory to influenza-induced mortality. Shirey et al. now show that the synthetic TLR4 antagonist eritoran (also known as E-5564; Eisai) prevents lethality in influenza-infected mice and significantly reduces lung pathology, clinical symptoms and viral titres, even when administered as late as 6 days after infection. Furthermore, the drug blocks the production of cytokines and oxidized phospholipids, which are associated with influenza-induced inflammation. Together with the favourable safety profile of the drug, these data indicate that eritoran could represent a novel therapeutic strategy for influenza infections.
References
Shirey, K. A. et al. The TLR4 antagonist Eritoran protects mice from lethal influenza infection. Nature 1 May 2013 (doi:10.1038/nature12118)
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Kåhrström, C. A cure for the flu?. Nat Rev Microbiol 11, 361 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro3039
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro3039