Viral Dynamics of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus During Experimental Human Challenge: Implication for Transmission and Protection.

Schumer C, Mann AJ, Fourati S, Lukas P, Graw F, Catchpole A, Guedj J (2026)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

Journal of Infectious Diseases University of Chicago Press / Oxford University Press (OUP): Policy A1 - Oxford Open Option C

Book Volume: 234

Pages Range: 407-416

Journal Issue: 3

DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiag206

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of respiratory infection. Quantifying its clinical, viral, and immune kinetics could provide further insights into tailoring interventions strategies at both individual and population levels. METHODS: We analyzed high-resolution viral, immunological, and clinical data from 225 adults experimentally infected with RSV, using mathematical models to characterize host-pathogen interactions. RESULTS: The best-fitting model incorporated three main mechanisms: a power-law relationship linking viral RNA to infectious virus, an innate immune response reducing target cell susceptibility and viral production, and an adaptive immune response integrating antibody and non-antibody components. The non-antibody response increased infected cell clearance by 7-fold (90% Prediction Interval [PI], 2-20-fold). Infectious virus was detected 3 days after exposure (90% PI, 2-5 days), and was cleared 8 days after exposure (6-11 days), corresponding to a median shedding duration of 5 days (3.5-10 days). Viral RNA persisted longer, with a median clearance time of 12 days (90% PI, 9-15 days). Symptom occurence was significantly associated with viral dynamics. While paucisymptomatic individuals represented 35% of our population, they accounted for only 5% of infectious viral shedding. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide new insights into RSV infection to inform diagnostics, and prevention strategies.

Authors with CRIS profile

Pascal Lukas Department of Medicine 5 – Haematology and Oncology Frederik Graw Department of Medicine 5 – Haematology and Oncology

Involved external institutions

Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale FR France (FR) hVIVO (United Kingdom) GB United Kingdom (GB) Université Sorbonne Paris Cité FR France (FR)

How to cite

APA:

Schumer, C., Mann, A.J., Fourati, S., Lukas, P., Graw, F., Catchpole, A., & Guedj, J. (2026). Viral Dynamics of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus During Experimental Human Challenge: Implication for Transmission and Protection. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 234(3), 407-416. https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/jiag206

MLA:

Schumer, Clarisse, et al. "Viral Dynamics of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus During Experimental Human Challenge: Implication for Transmission and Protection." Journal of Infectious Diseases 234.3 (2026): 407-416.

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