ADAMTS5 and its substrate versican play a critical role in influenza virus immunity

Abstract Members of the ADAMTS (A disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin-1 motifs) metalloproteinase family remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM). In this current study we demonstrate that Adamts5−/− mice infected with X31 influenza virus (104pfu/mouse) show enhanced weight loss, have higher virus titres and perturbed T cell immunity when compared to WT counterparts. These responses correlate with the accumulation of a key ADAMTS5 substrate, versican, in the MLN of Adamts5−/− mice and underpin disruption of T cell migration as evidenced through the use of both in vitro and in vivo models. Our research emphasizes the importance of ADAMTS5 activity in the control of influenza virus infection and highlights the potential for development of ADAMTS5-based therapeutic strategies to reduce overall morbidity and mortality.