Chapter 4 - Immunity to rhinoviruses

Abstract

Human rhinoviruses (RVs) are responsible for most cases of the common cold, and are usually regarded as relatively innocuous viruses. However, a compelling body of data indicates that RVs can also cause considerable morbidity in immunocompromised individuals and those with chronic lung disease. While epithelial cells are critical in preventing invasive infection, effective host defense against RVs also requires the efficient and coordinated function of a variety of bone marrow–derived, migratory immune cells. This chapter discusses the various leukocytes classes that respond to RVs (including granulocytes, antigen presenting cells, macrophages, and lymphocyte subpopulations), and the role these play in the innate and adaptive immune response. The development of immune memory, protective antibodies, and current progress toward RV are also discussed. Much progress has been made in outlining how RVs are important triggers of exacerbations of asthma and other airway inflammatory disorders, though it remains somewhat unclear whether exacerbations are predominantly driven by immune deficiency and high viral loads, a dysregulated and excessive immune response, or a combination of both. Addressing these current uncertainties is fundamental to the development of novel therapies.