Immune responses to viral infections: Relevance for asthma

• Published in: Paediatric respiratory reviews Vol. 7; pp. S125 - S127
• Main Authors: Martin, James G., Siddiqui, Sana, Hassan, Muhannad
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 2006
• Subjects: airway epithelial cells; Asthma - etiology; Asthma - immunology; Asthma - metabolism; chemokines; Child; Humans; Immunity, Cellular; metapneumovirus; Respiratory Mucosa - immunology; Respiratory Mucosa - metabolism; Respiratory Mucosa - pathology; respiratory syncytial virus; Respiratory Tract Infections - complications; Respiratory Tract Infections - immunology; Respiratory Tract Infections - metabolism; rhinovirus; T-Lymphocytes - immunology; Th2 immune responses; Toll-Like Receptors - biosynthesis; Virus Diseases - complications; Virus Diseases - immunology; Virus Diseases - metabolism; Th2 immune responses; metapneumovirus; chemokines; rhinovirus; respiratory syncytial virus; airway epithelial cells
• ISSN: 1526-0542; 1526-0550
• DOI: 10.1016/j.prrv.2006.04.225

Severe respiratory viral infections in childhood are associated with the development of asthma later in life. Rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus and metapneumovirus are of particular importance as triggers of asthma. Effects of virus infection on dendritic cell function in the airways may predispose children to allergic sensitization. Asthmatic subjects may have impaired interferon responses to viral infection that also predispose to allergic sensitization. Difference in Toll-like receptor expression on airway epithelial cells is a potential mechanism for the altered immune responses of asthmatic children.