Influence of early-life viral infection on severity of murine chronic asthma and acute exacerbations

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This project examines the relationship between certain childhood infections with respiratory viruses and the progression of asthma later in life. The experimental work will use mouse models of mild chronic asthma and of an acute exacerbation of the illness -- these unique models have been developed in the laboratories of the chief investigators. It will employ the most appropriate mouse models of infection by the relevant group of viruses. We expect to obtain new information about mechanisms of airway inflammation and airway hyper-reactivity, which are characteristic features of chronic asthma and of acute exacerbations. This could help to identify candidate signalling molecules and pathways that could be targeted by new treatments. The findings might also provide a basis for development of ways to modify the immune response after respiratory viral infection in childhood.