Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 2, 2026

Dissecting Innate Immune Signaling in Viral Evasion of Cytokine Production
08:32

Dissecting Innate Immune Signaling in Viral Evasion of Cytokine Production

Published on: March 2, 2014

10.9K

Influence of viral infection on the relationships between airway cytokines and lung function in asthmatic children

Toby C Lewis1,2,3, Ediri E Metitiri1, Graciela B Mentz3

  • 1Departments of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, University of Michigan Medical School, 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., Building MSRB2, Room 3570B, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5688, USA.

Respiratory Research
|November 23, 2018
PubMed

Insights

In asthmatic children, pro-inflammatory cytokines worsen lung function without viral infection but protect against decline during infection. This suggests a potential therapeutic role in viral-induced asthma exacerbations.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric respiratory medicine
  • Immunology
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Longitudinal studies on asthma inflammation and lung function are limited.
  • Investigating specific cytokines that impair airflow and the impact of viral infections is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify cytokines associated with reduced airflow in asthmatic children.
  • To determine how respiratory viral infections influence the relationship between cytokines and lung function.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 53 children over one year, collecting nasal lavage samples during surveillance and illness.
  • Analyzed 392 surveillance and 203 illness samples for 7 mRNAs and 10 proteins.
  • Used generalized estimating equations to assess associations between biomarkers, lung function, and viral infection.

Main Results:

  • Viral infection increased cytokines and decreased forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1).
  • Significant interactions were observed between biomarkers and viral status affecting lung function.
  • Cytokines like IL-4, IL-13, CCL5, CCL20, and CCL24 were associated with less severe lung function decline during infection, unlike in the absence of infection.

Conclusions:

  • Pro-inflammatory cytokines drive airflow obstruction in asthmatic children, particularly without viral infection.
  • Viral infections reverse this relationship, with cytokines potentially offering protection against lung function decline.
  • Findings suggest a protective role for certain inflammatory responses during viral infections and implications for treating viral-induced asthma exacerbations.
Abstract

Keywords:
AsthmaChemokineChildrenCytokineFEV1FVCRhinovirusUrbanViral

More Related Videos

Combining Volumetric Capnography And Barometric Plethysmography To Measure The Lung Structure-function Relationship08:25

Combining Volumetric Capnography And Barometric Plethysmography To Measure The Lung Structure-function Relationship

Published on: January 8, 2019

10.0K
Long Term Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Airway Infection in Mice15:43

Long Term Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Airway Infection in Mice

Published on: March 17, 2014

23.9K

Related Concept Videos

Viral Recombination00:57

Viral Recombination

Cells are sometimes infected by more than one virus at once. When two viruses disassemble to expose their genomes for replication in the same cell, similar regions of their genomes can pair together and exchange sequences in a process called recombination. Alternatively, viruses with segmented genomes can swap segments in a process called reassortment.
25.1K
Relationship Formation02:12

Relationship Formation

What do you think is the single most influential factor in determining with whom you become friends and whom you form romantic relationships? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is simple: the people with whom you have the most contact. This most important factor is proximity. You are more likely to be friends with people you have regular contact with. For example, there are decades of research that shows that you are more likely to become friends with people who live in your dorm,...
46.2K
Viral Structure00:56

Viral Structure

Viruses are extraordinarily diverse in shape and size, but they all have several structural features in common. All viruses have a core that contains a DNA- or RNA-based genome. The core is surrounded by a protective coat of proteins called the capsid. The capsid is composed of subunits called capsomeres. The capsid and genome-containing core are together known as the nucleocapsid.
74.5K
Lung Capacity01:47

Lung Capacity

The air in the lungs is measured in volumes and capacities. Lung volume measures reflect the amount of air taken in, released, or left over after a lung function, like a single inhalation. Lung capacity measures are sums of two or more lung volume measures.
56.3K
Ending Relationships01:28

Ending Relationships

The dissolution of intimate relationships presents complex emotional and psychological challenges, particularly when emotional bonds are strong, the relationship is long-standing, and perceived alternatives are limited. This distress often intensifies in romantic breakups, where the initiator may experience greater turmoil than the rejected partner. Contributing factors include residual attachment, guilt over causing pain, and uncertainty about how to manage the situation. The stress is further...
189
Relationship Growth01:27

Relationship Growth

Interpersonal relationships progress through stages, beginning with awareness and moving toward mutuality, where emotional connections deepen. While many relationships remain at moderate levels of mutuality, deeper connections form through self-disclosure, trust, and interdependence.Self-DisclosureSelf-disclosure involves revealing personal information, starting with surface-level details and gradually progressing to more intimate content. As trust grows, individuals feel more comfortable...
218