The pattern of stretching and relaxing motions that influence the vital function of lungs is found to generate even immune responses against invading viruses, reveals the latest research at the Wyss Institute at Harvard University.  The study used a Human Lung Chip to replicate the structures and functions of the lung air sac or alveolus, and discovered that applying mechanical forces that mimic breathing motions suppresses influenza virus replication by activating protective innate immune responses. The results of the study, published in Nature Communications, pointed out that the team’s Human Alveolus Chip can be used to model these responses in the deep portions of the lung, where infections are often more severe and lead to hospitalisation and death.