Rhinovirus (RV) infections, particularly in children, often lead to wheezing illnesses and exacerbations of asthma. RV infections are widespread, causing mild illnesses in most cases, but in some instances, they can lead to severe wheezing, especially in children with asthma. The immune response to RV begins in airway epithelial cells, initiating innate immune antiviral responses and stimulating the secretion of various immune molecules. The severity of RV illnesses is influenced by factors such as the level of interferon responses and the activation of proinflammatory pathways. The infections induce cellular inflammation, proinflammatory mediators, and mucus production, contributing to respiratory symptoms and airway obstruction, particularly in individuals with asthma.
