Figure.

Mechanisms of rhinovirus-induced airway inflammation. Human rhinovirus binds to ICAM-1 and other receptors to begin the replication cycle. Viral infections induce a variety of mediators, cytokines, and chemokines from epithelial cells and airway leukocytes that initiate an inflammatory response, including chemotaxis of neutrophils, and eosinophils. An antiviral response is also mounted by both epithelial and dendritic cells, producing type I interferons (IFNs). Airway eosinophils and allergic sensitization are risk factors for more severe rhinovirus illnesses, possibly by suppressing antiviral responses, which may be deficient in asthma.

ICAM, intercellular adhesion molecule; IL, interleukin; LTC4, leukotriene C4; PG, prostaglandins; NO, nitric oxide.