Aeroallergen-induced IL-33 predisposes to respiratory virus–induced asthma by dampening antiviral immunity

Abstract

Background Frequent viral lower respiratory infections in early life are an independent risk factor for asthma onset. This risk and the development of persistent asthma are significantly greater in children who later become sensitized. Objective We sought to elucidate the pathogenic processes that underlie the synergistic interplay between allergen exposures and viral infections. Methods Mice were inoculated with a murine-specific Pneumovirus species (pneumonia virus of mice [PVM]) and exposed to low-dose cockroach extract (CRE) in early and later life, and airway inflammation, remodeling, and hyperreactivity assessed. Mice were treated with anti–IL-33 or apyrase to neutralize or block IL-33..