Genetic alteration in child reveals immune response pathway in common cold
Genetic alteration in child reveals immune response pathway in common cold The common cold is a regular nuisance for most of us. The average healthy adult has two to three colds per year. Cold viruses usually cause mild symptoms—such as sore throat, runny nose, and cough—and are quickly removed by the immune system. But for some people, particularly children and older adults with underlying health problems, cold viruses can lead to more severe health problems. Human rhinovirus (HRV) is the main cause of the common cold, making up over half of the cases. Despite the prevalence of colds, the immune response to these viruses isn’t well understood. A better understanding could help researchers develop effective therapies against HRV and other cold viruses. A case study by researchers at NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) revealed an important mechanism by which the immune system responds to HRV. The case involved a child who, several...