Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026
07:51
Refined Murine Model of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Published on: June 17, 2025
Rhinovirus-induced basic fibroblast growth factor release mediates airway remodeling features
Chrysanthi L Skevaki1, Stelios Psarras, Eleni Volonaki
1UPC Research Laboratories, Allergy Department, 2nd Pediatric Clinic, University of Athens, 41 Fidipidou str, Athens, 115 27, Greece. cskevaki@allergy.gr.
Clinical and Translational Allergy
|August 23, 2012
Summary
Human rhinovirus infections trigger airway remodeling in asthma by increasing basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). This promotes lung fibroblast proliferation, potentially worsening asthma persistence, especially in atopic individuals.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Human rhinoviruses are primary triggers for asthma exacerbations, causing airway inflammation and angiogenesis.
- This study investigated the potential role of rhinoviruses in the fibrotic aspects of airway remodeling in asthma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if rhinoviruses contribute to airway remodeling through fibrotic processes.
- To assess the role of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in rhinovirus-induced airway changes.
Main Methods:
- Measured bFGF mRNA and protein levels after rhinovirus infection of bronchial epithelial cells.
- Assessed epithelial product profibrotic effects using DNA synthesis and matrix metalloproteinase assays.
- Evaluated bFGF release from peripheral blood mononuclear cells exposed to rhinovirus and measured bFGF in respiratory secretions during asthma exacerbations.
Main Results:
- Rhinovirus infection increased bFGF mRNA and release from epithelial cells, correlated with cytotoxicity.
- Epithelial products induced lung fibroblast proliferation, inhibited by anti-bFGF antibody, and increased matrix metalloproteinase activity.
- bFGF release was higher in atopic asthma models and during rhinovirus-associated asthma exacerbations.
Conclusions:
- Rhinovirus infection stimulates airway epithelial bFGF release, promoting fibroblast proliferation and airway remodeling in asthma.
- Recurrent rhinovirus infections may perpetuate asthma, particularly in atopic individuals.
- Preventing rhinovirus infections could potentially alter the long-term course of asthma.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
01:28Asthma 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...
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Inflammation
01:26Asthma-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:
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:
01:20Asthma: 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.
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.
01:09Introduction to Fibroblasts
Rudolph Virchow discovered spindle-shaped cells called fibroblasts in 1858. Inactive fibroblasts, called fibrocytes, become activated by various stimuli, such as growth factors and inflammatory cytokines. Activated fibroblasts play a crucial role in wound healing, inflammation, formation of new blood vessels, and cancer progression. Uncontrolled activation of fibroblasts results in fibrosis, the excess deposition of fibrous tissue, which can lead to scarring and affect normal organs. This...