Cytokine release and innate immunity in respiratory viral infection

Influenza and respiratory syncytial virus are the two most important causes of viral lower respiratory tract disease. The innate immune response to these viruses, determined by multiple cell types, creates a cytokine milieu that affects the adaptive immune response and disease manifestations. This review addresses the function of cytokines released from cells resident in the respiratory tract after infection with influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, and how differences in early cytokine release may impact disease pathogenesis and host response.