Rhinovirus Infection and Asthma: How Asthmatic Cells Respond Differently
Author Information
Author(s): Oliver Brian GG, Johnston Sebastian L, Baraket Melissa, Burgess Janette K, King Nicholas JC, Roth Michael, Lim Sam, Black Judith L
Primary Institution: Department of Pharmacology, University of Sydney
Hypothesis
Rhinovirus induction of inflammatory cytokine release from airway smooth muscle is augmented and differentially regulated in asthmatic compared to normal HASM cells.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates augmentation and differential transcriptional regulation of RV specific innate immune response in HASM cells derived from asthmatic and non-asthmatics.
Supporting Evidence
- RV-induced IL-6 release was significantly greater in HASM cells derived from asthmatic subjects compared to non-asthmatic subjects.
- This response was RV specific, as serum-induced IL-6 release was not different in the two cell types.
- RV infection caused significant cell death in HASM cells derived from both asthmatic and non-asthmatic subjects.
Takeaway
When people with asthma get a cold, their airway cells react more strongly than those without asthma, which can make their asthma worse.
Methodology
HASM cells from asthmatic and non-asthmatic subjects were infected with rhinovirus, and cytokine production was measured using ELISA.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in subject selection and the influence of underlying health conditions on results.
Limitations
The study focused only on specific cytokines and did not explore all potential immune responses.
Participant Demographics
22 asthmatic subjects (mean age 23, range 18-33) and 29 non-asthmatic subjects (mean age 55, range 16-74).
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.017
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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