Differential modulation of Interferon and Cell Death Responses defines Human vs Avian Influenza A Virus Strain-Specific Virulence and guides Combination Therapy.

Abstract

Influenza A virus (IAV) poses a significant global health risk, with highly pathogenic strains like H5N1 (CFR [~]52%) causing severe disease compared to less lethal but more transmissible strains like H1N1 (CFR 0.01-0.03%). Although IAV primarily infects lung epithelial cells, causing cell death and tissue damage, the molecular basis of strain-specific pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Here we show that in cell culture, H5N1 induced more rapid and extensive cell death than H1N1. Since Interferon (IFN) signaling is key to innate immunity, we examined its role in virus-induced cell death using STAT1-knockout A549 cells and JAK/STAT pathway inhibitors like Baricitinib. Both approaches reduced cell death across various IAV strains, including H1N1, H5N1, H7N9, and H3N2. However, inhibition increased viral titers, raising concerns about its clinical use in isolation. To overcome this, we tested a combination of Oseltamivir (antiviral) and Baricitinib (anti-inflammatory). Post-infection treatment in a murine model reduced lung inflammation and improved survival. Given that both drugs are FDA-approved, this approach has strong translational potential for clinical IAV treatment.