Atkin-Smith et al. study apoptotic bodies formed when Influenza A (IAV)-infected monocytes undergo apoptosis. They find that apoptotic bodies contain components of IAV and can contribute to IAV propagation in vitro and in mice, and stimulate an innate and adaptive immune response. This study suggests that apoptotic bodies may take part in virus propagation and/or clearance.
- Georgia K. Atkin-Smith
- Mubing Duan
- Ivan K. H. Poon