Cytokine responses in patients with mild or severe influenza A(H1N1)pdm09

A number of cytokines were found to be substantially elevated in patients with severe influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus infection. This supports and extends other published work suggesting a role for proinflammatory cytokines in influenza-induced lung pathology. Interestingly, EGF was significantly lower in patients with severe infection suggesting it is actively suppressed. As EGF has a role in role in cell proliferation and tissue repair, it may protect the lung from host or virus mediated damage.