Apoptosis signaling in influenza virus propagation, innate host defense, and lung injury

A review of mechanisms of apoptosis induction in influenza virus‐infected cells, and the impact of apoptotic signaling on viral propagation, immune responses, and tissue injury. Programmed cell death is a crucial cellular response frequently observed in IV‐infected tissue. This article reviews the current knowledge on the molecular virus–host interactions that induce apoptosis pathways in an IV‐infected cell and the functional implications of these cellular signaling events on viral propagation at distinct steps during the viral replication cycle. Furthermore, it summarizes the role of IV‐induced apoptosis pathways in equilibrating the hostˈs antiviral immune response between effective viral clearance and development of severe apoptotic lung injury.