TY - JOUR T1 - Toll-like receptor-agonist-based therapies for respiratory viral diseases: thinking outside the cell JF - European Respiratory Review JO - EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY REVIEW DO - 10.1183/16000617.0274-2021 VL - 31 IS - 164 SP - 210274 AU - Jason L.N. Girkin AU - Steven Maltby AU - Nathan W. Bartlett Y1 - 2022/06/30 UR - http://err.ersjournals.com/content/31/164/210274.abstract N2 - Respiratory virus infections initiate in the upper respiratory tract (URT). Innate immunity is critical for initial control of infection at this site, particularly in the absence of mucosal virus-neutralising antibodies. If the innate immune response is inadequate, infection can spread to the lower respiratory tract (LRT) causing community-acquired pneumonia (as exemplified by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)/coronavirus disease 2019). Vaccines for respiratory viruses (influenza and SARS-CoV-2) leverage systemic adaptive immunity to protect from severe lung disease. However, the URT remains vulnerable to infection, enabling viral transmission and posing an ongoing risk of severe disease in populations that lack effective adaptive immunity.Innate immunity is triggered by host cell recognition of viral pathogen-associated molecular patterns via molecular sensors such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Here we review the role of TLRs in respiratory viral infections and the potential of TLR-targeted treatments to enhance airway antiviral immunity to limit progression to severe LRT disease and reduce person-to-person viral transmission. By considering cellular localisation and antiviral mechanisms of action and treatment route/timing, we propose that cell surface TLR agonist therapies are a viable strategy for preventing respiratory viral diseases by providing immediate, durable pan-viral protection within the URT.Respiratory virus infections are a significant disease burden and new treatment options are required. Treatments that stimulate innate immunity in the upper respiratory tract by targeting Toll-like receptors may provide rapid, pan-viral protection. https://bit.ly/3BNH2Em ER -