Fig. 1. IAV-induced cell death.

During homoeostatic conditions, airway and alveolar epithelial cells (ECs) line the surfaces of the lung and AMΦs can be found within the lung parenchyma. IAV infection induces apoptosis and necrosis of ECs, compromising the integrity of the epithelial cell barrier. Furthermore, immune cells including monocytes, DCs and neutrophils infiltrate into the lung parenchyma and in turn are susceptible to IAV-induced apoptosis and necrotic-like cell death