Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 29, 2026

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
09:01

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Published on: December 10, 2013

Evidence for a causal relationship between respiratory syncytial virus infection and asthma

Pingsheng Wu1, Tina V Hartert

  • 1Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Center for Health Services Research, 6107 MCE, Nashville, TN 37232-8300, USA.

Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy
|September 13, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is linked to infant lower respiratory infections and asthma development. Preventing RSV in infants may reduce recurrent wheezing and potentially prevent childhood asthma.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common childhood virus, causing significant lower respiratory tract infections in infants.
  • Early-life respiratory infections, particularly RSV, are associated with the later development of childhood asthma.
  • The precise causal link between RSV infection and asthma development remains debated, with possibilities including direct causation or identification of predisposed infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the relationship between early-life respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and the development of childhood asthma.
  • To review evidence suggesting that RSV infection may directly contribute to asthma pathogenesis.
  • To highlight the potential of RSV prevention strategies for primary asthma prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing epidemiological and clinical studies on RSV infection and childhood asthma.
  • Analysis of findings from an open-label study of RSV immunoprophylaxis in preterm infants.
  • Discussion of the implications of ongoing and future clinical trials for RSV prevention.

Main Results:

  • RSV is the leading cause of infant lower respiratory tract infections and exacerbates asthma in affected children.
  • An open-label study demonstrated that RSV immunoprophylaxis reduced recurrent wheezing by 50% in preterm infants.
  • Evidence suggests that RSV infection and genetic predisposition may both play roles in asthma development.

Conclusions:

  • RSV infection in early life is a significant factor in the development of childhood asthma.
  • RSV immunoprophylaxis shows promise in reducing wheezing and potentially preventing asthma.
  • Further clinical trials on infant RSV prevention are crucial to confirm causality and establish primary prevention strategies for childhood asthma.

More Related Videos

An Improved and High Throughput Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Micro-neutralization Assay09:14

An Improved and High Throughput Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Micro-neutralization Assay

Published on: January 26, 2019

Generation, Amplification, and Titration of Recombinant Respiratory Syncytial Viruses11:48

Generation, Amplification, and Titration of Recombinant Respiratory Syncytial Viruses

Published on: April 4, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification01:26

Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification

Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.