Molecular and cellular mechanisms in the viral exacerbation of asthma

Abstract

The aetiology of asthma associated with viral infection is complex. The dynamics that contribute to disease pathogenesis are multifactorial and involve overlapping molecular and cellular mechanisms, particularly the immune response to respiratory virus infection or allergen sensitization. This review summarizes the evidence associated with factors that may contribute to the development or exacerbation of asthma including age, host factors, genetic polymorphisms, altered immune responses, and aspects of viral antigen expression. This review also provides an important perspective of key events linked to the development of asthmatic disease and related pulmonary inflammation from human and animal studies, and discusses their relationship as targets for disease intervention strategies.

The neuropeptide calcitonin gene‐related peptide affects allergic airway inflammation by modulating dendritic cell function

“…Whether targeting of CGRP receptors is a therapeutic option in allergic airway inflammation has to be elucidated in further studies. However, asthma exacerbations are not only induced by allergen provocation but also stimuli known to trigger neuronal mechanisms, like stress or virus infections [54–58]. Thus, a therapeutical intervention targeting signal molecules induced by both immune and neuronal pathways seems to be most promising.…”

Differences in respiratory syncytial virus and influenza infection in a house-dust-mite-induced asthma mouse model: consequences for steroid sensitivity

“…Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by pulmonary eosinophilia, AHR (airway hyperresponsiveness) and mucus hypersecretion, which ultimately results in airway remodelling [1]. The airflow limitation induced by asthma is generally regarded as reversible and can usually be managed by steroid treatment.…”

Pulmonary infection of mice with human metapneumovirus induces local cytotoxic T-cell and immunoregulatory cytokine responses similar to those seen with human respiratory syncytial virus

“…Young children, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals are particularly susceptible to hMPV-associated disease, emphasizing the need to understand the role of antiviral immunity in the control of infection. Several studies have indicated a strong association between hMPV disease and asthma in both children (Garcia-Garcia et al, 2007;Peiris et al, 2003;Tauro et al, 2008) and adults (Williams et al, 2005), implicating hMPV in ongoing or long-term adverse effects.…”