Our Research on Respiratory Viruses

At our lab, we focus on understanding the role of rhinovirus (RV) and other respiratory viruses in lung health, particularly in people with asthma, COPD, and bronchiectasis. Our goal is to uncover why viral infections sometimes trigger severe respiratory symptoms and to develop strategies that improve patient outcomes.

Proinflammatory Responses in Asthmatic Airways

We have shown that rhinovirus infection can cause airway smooth muscle cells in people with asthma to release higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines. This explains why viral infections often worsen asthma symptoms and highlights opportunities for targeted interventions.

Epigenetic Changes in Nasal Cells

Our research demonstrates that rhinovirus can alter DNA methylation and gene expression in nasal epithelial cells, particularly in children with asthma. Genes such as BAT3 and NEU1 are affected, influencing immune responses and asthma progression.

Immune Response in the Lungs

We’ve discovered that rhinovirus can impair alveolar macrophages, key immune cells in the lungs. This may increase susceptibility to infections and inflammation, especially in individuals with respiratory vulnerabilities.

Everyday Impact on Respiratory Health

Rhinovirus infections can significantly affect daily lung function. By understanding these impacts, we aim to improve strategies for managing chronic respiratory conditions.

Microbiome Dynamics in Respiratory Infections

We study how respiratory viruses like rhinovirus, RSV, and influenza affect the microbiome of the upper and lower airways. Viral infections can cause dysbiosis, an imbalance in microbial communities, which may worsen conditions like asthma and COPD. For example, changes in the nasopharyngeal microbiome during RSV infection are linked to increased disease severity and a higher risk of recurrent wheezing in children.

Integrative Microbiomics in Bronchiectasis

In collaboration with other researchers, we have explored a “multi-biome” approach, integrating bacterial, viral, and fungal communities in bronchiectasis. Our findings show that patients at higher risk of exacerbations have less complex microbial networks and reduced diversity. This approach helps us better understand disease mechanisms and identify potential therapeutic targets.

Impact of Diet on Microbial Metabolites and Viral Infections

We also investigate how diet influences microbial metabolites and host responses to viral infections. For instance, a high-fat diet can alter gut microbiota and reduce the production of metabolites like acetate, which are crucial for antiviral responses. These changes can worsen viral infections, highlighting the interconnected roles of diet, microbiome, and immune function.

Advancing Research Methods

We continuously refine methods for sampling the upper and lower airways, ensuring research on rhinovirus and other viruses is accurate, reliable, and clinically relevant.

Together, our research is revealing the complex interactions between viruses, the microbiome, and respiratory health, guiding the development of new treatments and preventive strategies.