Viral infections and exposure to inhaled allergens are linked to asthma onset, exacerbations and progression. Here, the authors used controlled experimental rhinovirus infection in patients with and without asthma, and further assessed in vitro the role of house dust mite allergen combined with rhinovirus and SARS-CoV-2 infection. They discovered that rhinovirus-induced activation of epithelial RIG-I inflammasome supresses antiviral immunity, promotes inflammation during asthma exacerbations and aggravates subsequent infection with SARS-CoV-2, particularly upon house dust mite exposure.
- Urszula Radzikowska
- Andrzej Eljaszewicz
- Milena Sokolowska
