Models for the study of respiratory syncytial virus infection and disease

Although the pathogenesis of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and resultant lung injury are not completely understood, recent advances have increased our knowledge of the roles of the virus and host immune responses in the development and severity of respiratory disease. Cell culture and animal models of RSV infection have played key roles in these advances, and should enhance development of effective RSV prophylaxis (vaccines and passive immunoprophylaxis) and antiviral agents for treating RSV infection.

Section editors:Enitan Carrol – Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research, Blantyre and Liverpool, Malawi and UKAndrew Riordan – Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, UK