Exploring the Immune Response against RSV and SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Children

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Respiratory viral infections are among the most common diseases that affect children. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common pathogen causing lower tract infections in children and is responsible for a significant number of hospital admissions, whereas, in adults, its clinical importance is less significant. In contrast, SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, rarely causes severe disease in children. In this review, we discuss the differences in susceptibility between these two viruses in children with a focus on the immune response. A better understanding of the immune responses induced by SARS-CoV-2 and RSV, as well as their unique roles in viral evasion, is essential for the development of vaccines and new drugs. ABSTRACT: Viral respiratory tract infections are a significant public health concern, particularly in children. RSV is a prominent cause of lower respiratory tract infections among infants, whereas SARS-CoV-2 has caused a global pandemic with lower overall severity in children than in adults. In this review, we aimed to compare the innate and adaptive immune responses induced by RSV and SARS-CoV-2 to better understand differences in the pathogenesis of infection. Some studies have demonstrated that children present a more robust immune response against SARS-CoV-2 than adults; however, this response is dissimilar to that of RSV. Each virus has a distinctive mechanism to escape the immune response. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these differences is crucial for developing effective treatments and improving the management of pediatric respiratory infections.