Rhinovirus, allergy and asthma - What are some of the key questions?

Rhinovirus (RV) is a cardinal virus pathogen, particularly in the context of pre-existing lung disease. It is likely to cause disease by subversion of key elements of the host tissue immune response, particularly innate immune responses. It is now clear that RV may cause asthma exacerbations through excessive virus replication in patients following initial infection. This augmented virus replication is probably the result of both host and pathogen factors and new therapeutic advances will have to target both the pathogen and the host. It seems likely given the development of molecular techniques, their refinement and advances in reversed genetics that preventative treatments for RV will be available in future. A rapid, simple 'cure' for RV seems doubtful, but it may be possible in future to attenuate the effects of infection and to 'protect' the airways of patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).