Alcohol‐induced tight junction dysfunction primes airways for RSV infection (538.1)

Tight junctions form a belt-like structure between adjacent cells whose degree of permeability changes according to external stimuli, physiological and pathological conditions. We have previously shown that alcohol increases tight junction permeability and disrupts tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and claudin) in cultured airway epithelial cells through PKCα. It is well established that individuals who consume heavy and prolonged amounts of alcohol are more likely to suffer from pulmonary diseases and infections. Alcohol triggers tight junctions in airway epithelial cells to “leak”, which likely primes the airways for pulmonary infections. Thus, a second injury, such as viral or bacterial infection, is likely intensified by alcohol consumption. To date, very few studies have focused on the combination of alcohol and RSV infection. While both alcohol and RSV have been separately shown to disrupt tight junctions, little research has examined the combination of alcohol and RSV infection on tight junction functi...