Harnessing targeted IL-2 to reduce immunopathology and enhance immunity against respiratory virus infection

Influenza A virus (IAV) remains a global health concern despite annual vaccination efforts. Clinical interventions able to prevent the immunopathology and `cytokine storm' associated with severe IAV infection are urgently needed, especially approaches that can be initiated at later stages of infection. The knowledge gained from the proposed studies will facilitate the development of a novel application of an IL-2-based therapeutic approach to treat severe respiratory viral infection, as well as advance its potential use as an adjuvant to boost universal, IAV-specific immunity following vaccination.