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An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Published on: December 11, 2013
Viral infections and asthma inception.
1Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, Division of Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, University of Wisconsin Medical School, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792, USA. rfl@medicine.wisc.edu
Viral infections in infancy are linked to asthma development. Early life viral exposures may influence long-term asthma risk and exacerbations in children with existing asthma.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Viral respiratory tract infections are increasingly implicated in asthma pathogenesis.
- Viruses are linked to asthma through multiple epidemiological associations.
- Genetic susceptibility may influence asthma development following viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of viral infections in asthma inception and exacerbations.
- To highlight data on respiratory syncytial virus and childhood asthma.
- To explore the paradoxical effect of early viral exposure on allergy and asthma risk.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiological and clinical data.
- Analysis of genetic susceptibility factors in asthma development.
- Examination of viral infection impact on cytokine profiles.
Main Results:
- Certain viruses in infancy are associated with the onset of the asthmatic phenotype.
- Increased viral exposure in early childhood may paradoxically reduce allergy and asthma risk.
- Viral infections trigger acute asthma exacerbations in children, leading to healthcare utilization.
Conclusions:
- Viral infections are critical factors in asthma development and exacerbation.
- Respiratory syncytial virus is a key pathogen in childhood asthma inception.
- Understanding viral-host interactions is crucial for asthma prevention and management.
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