Understanding these defects is key to identifying factors contributing to severe RSV infections in this high-risk group.<h4>Methods</h4>AECs from children with and without DS were analyzed at baseline and after RSV infection to assess NRF2-induced protective genes against oxidative stress and hypoxia, including the enzyme heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1). This evidence concerns the gene HMOX1 and Dravet syndrome.