Virus-induced formation of reactive oxygen intermediates in phagocytic cells.

Viruses cause disease by a wide variety of mechanisms. These include the impairment of differentiated host cell functions and the killing of infected cells. The latter is referred to as cytopathic effect and is exemplified by Polio virus infection where paralysis results from the loss of neurons killed by the virus. Host immune response as a factor contributing to disease is evident in the skin rashes in measles and rubella. Virus-immune complexes occur in many infections and may be associated with glomerulonephritis and arthropathy. We describe two mechanisms by which viruses activate the generation of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) in polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The first is mediated by antiviral antibody and hence is controlled by the immune system. The second mechanism depends on a direct interaction of viral antigen with the plasma membrane of the phagocyte. It is suggested that the direct activation of ROI generation by paramyxo- and influenza viruses may be related to their well-known toxic effects in vivo.