The inhibition of retinoic acid signaling in innate immune cells paradoxically suppresses respiratory syncytial virus infection through enhanced antiviral immunity

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children. It is also associated with enhanced Th2 immunity and asthma. Vitamin A deficiency weakens mucosal immunity because of the central role of retinoic acid (RA) in regulating different immune cell functions. We therefore sought to evaluate the effect of RA signaling deficiency on immune responses to RSV infection.