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. 2014 Feb 14;9(2):e88716. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088716

Figure 5. Schematic representation of key responses to MERS-CoV related to outcome.

Figure 5

Left panel: Coronavirus are recognized by the immune system through the activation of cytosolic and membranous pattern recognition receptors (MDA-5 and RIG-1). This activation triggers IRF 3 which leads to the production of IFNα. IFN activates anti viral effectors like T CD8+ cells allowing viral clearance. Right panel: In the absence of recognition, the decrease in IRF 3 is associated to a decreased production of IL 12 and IFNγ. IL 10 production further represses IFNγ secretion leading to a decreased CD8 T lymphocytes proliferation and an increased viral replication.