Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Veterinary Medicine and Science, cilt.11, sa.5, ss.1-13, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
The immune system’s response to viral infections can be both beneficial and dtrimental. The general immune response in anon-suppressed organism begins with the recognition of the infectious agent and its perception as non-self to the organism andworks toward the termination of the viral infection. Conversely, the immune system may contribute to the pathogenicity of aviral infection via different responses. Cytokines, cell-mediated effector mechanisms and antibody–antigen complexes may causeimmune-mediated viral disease. The resulting tissue damage was typically classified as four types of hypersensitivity reactionsby Gell-Coombs. Notably, Type III (immune complex) and Type IV (cell-mediated) hypersensitivity responses are central in thepathophysiology of many viral diseases. Consequently, the host’s defence against infection is more than a mere safeguard—in some cases, an overly vigorous immune response can cause pathology more severe than that induced by the virus itself. Athorough examination of the immune response to viruses also advances our understanding of autoimmune disease mechanisms, asviral infections can trigger autoimmunity through molecular mimicry and bystander activation. Understanding these pathogenicmechanisms is critical for managing the multisystemic consequences of viral diseases. This review focuses on the pathogeneticmechanisms of immune-mediated viral infections in animals.