The Role of the Nrf2 Pathway in Airway Tissue Damage Due to Viral Respiratory Infections

Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Jun 27;25(13):7042. doi: 10.3390/ijms25137042.

Abstract

Respiratory viruses constitute a significant cause of illness and death worldwide. Respiratory virus-associated injuries include oxidative stress, ferroptosis, inflammation, pyroptosis, apoptosis, fibrosis, autoimmunity, and vascular injury. Several studies have demonstrated the involvement of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in the pathophysiology of viral infection and associated complications. It has thus emerged as a pivotal player in cellular defense mechanisms against such damage. Here, we discuss the impact of Nrf2 activation on airway injuries induced by respiratory viruses, including viruses, coronaviruses, rhinoviruses, and respiratory syncytial viruses. The inhibition or deregulation of Nrf2 pathway activation induces airway tissue damage in the presence of viral respiratory infections. In contrast, Nrf2 pathway activation demonstrates protection against tissue and organ injuries. Clinical trials involving Nrf2 agonists are needed to define the effect of Nrf2 therapeutics on airway tissues and organs damaged by viral respiratory infections.

Keywords: Nrf2; apoptosis; autoimmunity; ferroptosis; fibrosis; inflammation; lung injury; oxidative stress; pyroptosis; respiratory virus; virus-induced injury.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2* / metabolism
  • Oxidative Stress*
  • Respiratory Tract Infections* / metabolism
  • Respiratory Tract Infections* / pathology
  • Respiratory Tract Infections* / virology
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Virus Diseases / complications
  • Virus Diseases / metabolism
  • Virus Diseases / pathology
  • Virus Diseases / virology

Substances

  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2
  • NFE2L2 protein, human