Viruses

Viruses infect by invading cells—usually first attacking cells that line body passages. Then they directly
invade target organs such as the lungs or travel in the blood (viremia) to target organs or organ systems
such as the liver or nervous system.
Polioviruses invade cells that line the digestive tract, but they also can enter nerve endings.

Immune responses can combat viral infections at any of these locations. Interferons, secretory IgA, and
some IgG antibodies act at the surface-lining cells and prevent or minimize entry of viruses. IgG and IgM
act in the blood to neutralize viruses directly or to promote their destruction by complement. Finally,
cytotoxins and cellular immunity via TC cells and NK cells are especially important in clearing the body of
cells infected with viruses.

Besides adaptive immune responses to a viral infection, many innate responses can limit infection. Fever
is an important defense against viruses. Several viruses, such as influenza, parainfluenza, and
rhinoviruses, are temperature-sensitive. They replicate in the lining cells of the respiratory tract, which
normally has a temperature between 33° and 35°C—lower than the normal body temperature of 37°C
because the cells are cooled as atmospheric air moves over their moist surfaces. When a person has a
fever of even 1° to 2°C, the ability of the virus to replicate is reduced. Another benefit of fever in resisting
viral infection is that temperature increases cause an increase in interferon production.