Interplay between Fc epsilon and antiviral responses

Interplay between FcεRI and antiviral responses. In normal airways, pDCs are major sources of type I and III interferons in response to viral infections. These cells also have low-level expression of FcεRI. In the context of allergy, pDCs express greater FcεRI, which is inversely related to interferon responses. In addition, crosslinking of FcεRI further reduces interferon responses. Consequences of suppressed interferon response to viral infection could include increased viral replication, more severe illnesses with wheezing, and exacerbation of pre-existing asthma.