Understanding how asthma patients respond to rhinovirus infections

Early Antiviral Responses to Rhinovirus Infection in Asthma

Imperial College London · NCT05050903

This study looks at how people with asthma react to a common cold virus to see if their immune response is different and if that affects their asthma symptoms.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexAll
SponsorImperial College London (other)
Locations1 site (London, Greater London)
Trial IDNCT05050903 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the early antiviral responses to rhinovirus infection in individuals with asthma. It aims to understand the relationship between interferon production and viral replication during asthma exacerbations triggered by rhinovirus. Participants will include adults aged 18-55 with a diagnosis of asthma who have experienced previous exacerbations, as well as healthy controls. The study will analyze the immune response to rhinovirus to determine if an impaired interferon response contributes to increased viral loads in asthma patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-55 with a doctor diagnosis of asthma and a history of asthma exacerbations.

Not a fit: Patients with significant comorbidities, recent upper respiratory infections, or those currently using certain asthma medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of asthma exacerbations triggered by viral infections.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that interferon responses are impaired in asthma, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights, although the specific methodology of this study may be novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
For Asthma group:

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18-55 years
* Doctor diagnosis of asthma
* Previous asthma exacerbation

Exclusion Criteria:

* Smoking history over past 12 months
* Sinonasal disease, including current symptoms of allergic rhinitis
* Asthma exacerbation or an upper respiratory viral infection within the previous six weeks
* Current or concomitant use of oral steroids, monoclonal antibodies or nasal sprays
* Neutralising antibodies to rhinovirus (RV)-16
* Clinically significant diseases other than asthma which, in the opinion of the investigator, may either put the patient at risk because of participation in the study, influence the results of the study, an/or the patient's ability to take part in it
* Inability to understand written or verbal information in English

For healthy control group:

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18-55 years

Exclusion Criteria:

As for Asthma group and in addition:

• History of asthma

Where this trial is running

London, Greater London

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Asthma

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.