Host responses play crucial roles in defense against influenza but sometimes these may contribute to immunopathology. Potentially, this may be more important in disease caused by viruses such as avian influenza A H5N1 or the 1918 H1N1 influenza virus rather than with seasonal influenza or pandemic H1N1 2009 (pdmH1N1). Understanding pathogenesis will help develop novel therapeutic options that minimize immunopathology without impairing beneficial host defenses.
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