Colocalization of intracellular specific IgA (icIgA) with influenza virus in patients' nasopharyngeal aspirate cells

Significance: The above findings in clinical specimens would contribute strongly to our understanding of the mechanisms and kinetics of icIgA neutralization in relation to viral entry and early replication steps of mucosal viral infections. A rapid, objective and sensitive assay − by ex vivo enumeration of respiratory epithelial cells that have co-localized influenza virus and icIgA − would contribute to further mucosal immunity studies and inform the design of more effective vaccines against influenza and other viral infections transmitted via the mucosal route e.g. respiratory syncytial virus, rotavirus.