Researchers uncover more detail of the molecular triggers behind asthma attacks

A new study has tracked the molecular events that happen during asthma attacks to help explain how a common cold can trigger these attacks. Published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine , the research used novel sampling techniques to observe what happens in people's noses and lungs during asthma attacks induced by a cold virus. The research showed that in people with asthma, a small molecule called IL-33 plays an important role in activating such attacks, and that it might be possible to inhibit them by blocking IL-33. We have closely examined the evolution of an asthma attack in humans in real-time by using these novel and more effective sampling techniques that apply strips of material to the nose and the airways Viral infection of the airways is the cause of about 80 to 90 per cent of asthma attacks, with most of these infections caused by rhinoviruses - the viruses behind the common cold. Although the effects of rhinoviruses are usually relatively mild for most people, in people with asthma they can infect the lungs and elicit severe asthma attacks, sometimes leading to hospitalisation. An asthma attack is characterised by inflammation and obstruction of the airways, and increased mucus production. These are all part of the type-2 immune response, which usually occurs in response to allergies but not in response to viral infections.