Study Suggests Early Immune Response Key to Understanding Why Colds Hit Some Harder Than Others
A new study published in Cell Press Blue sheds light on the mystery of why some people develop mild cold symptoms while others suffer from severe illness. Researchers at Yale Medicine have discovered that an early immune response in the body, rather than the virus itself, plays a crucial role in determining the severity of the common cold.
According to senior author Ellen Foxman, it's not just the rhinovirus, the most common cause of colds, that determines the disease outcome. Instead, there appears to be an underlying factor within the human body driving the disease outcome, but the mechanisms behind this are still poorly understood.
To investigate this further, the researchers created miniature, 3D-tissue structures called organoids from human nasal cells, which acted like actual human noses and lungs. They then introduced rhinovirus to these miniature organs in a lab setting and found that the production of interferons, proteins produced by the body to fight infections, played a crucial role in keeping the virus mild.
However, when the interferon response was weakened or inhibited, the virus became more severe and could lead to complications such as asthma attacks, bronchitis, and pneumonia. The researchers still don't know why some people produce sufficient interferons to block rhinovirus while others have a weaker response, which is a question they plan to explore further.
The study's findings also highlight the importance of hand washing in preventing the spread of rhinovirus. While there is no vaccine for the virus, frequent hand hygiene can help reduce the transmission of the cold.
In addition, people who experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, or a high fever that lasts for more than three days should seek medical attention, according to the Mayo Clinic. By understanding the underlying mechanisms behind the common cold and taking steps to prevent its spread, researchers hope to develop new treatments and prevention strategies in the future.
A new study published in Cell Press Blue sheds light on the mystery of why some people develop mild cold symptoms while others suffer from severe illness. Researchers at Yale Medicine have discovered that an early immune response in the body, rather than the virus itself, plays a crucial role in determining the severity of the common cold.
According to senior author Ellen Foxman, it's not just the rhinovirus, the most common cause of colds, that determines the disease outcome. Instead, there appears to be an underlying factor within the human body driving the disease outcome, but the mechanisms behind this are still poorly understood.
To investigate this further, the researchers created miniature, 3D-tissue structures called organoids from human nasal cells, which acted like actual human noses and lungs. They then introduced rhinovirus to these miniature organs in a lab setting and found that the production of interferons, proteins produced by the body to fight infections, played a crucial role in keeping the virus mild.
However, when the interferon response was weakened or inhibited, the virus became more severe and could lead to complications such as asthma attacks, bronchitis, and pneumonia. The researchers still don't know why some people produce sufficient interferons to block rhinovirus while others have a weaker response, which is a question they plan to explore further.
The study's findings also highlight the importance of hand washing in preventing the spread of rhinovirus. While there is no vaccine for the virus, frequent hand hygiene can help reduce the transmission of the cold.
In addition, people who experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, or a high fever that lasts for more than three days should seek medical attention, according to the Mayo Clinic. By understanding the underlying mechanisms behind the common cold and taking steps to prevent its spread, researchers hope to develop new treatments and prevention strategies in the future.
The idea that our immune system can make or break a cold is like a superhero origin story - we've got the power to save ourselves from getting sick. But seriously, it's crazy how much more effective hand washing is than any vaccine when it comes to stopping rhinovirus in its tracks. Like, if you're already infected, all that matter is gettin' those germs off your hands ASAP! 
And I'm intrigued by the idea of organoids - 3D-tissue structures from human cells? That's like sci-fi stuff right there! 
so like I was reading this study about how early immune response is key to understanding why some people get super sick with colds and others just deal with it 
and I'm thinking like isn't that already kinda obvious? I mean, think about it... if you're one of those people who always seems to come down with the worst colds, but then somehow recovers way faster than your friends 
... what's going on in that body?! And don't even get me started on how important hand washing is 
it makes total sense that frequent hygiene can help reduce transmission rates. But you know what's wild? The study found that when the interferon response was weakened or inhibited, the virus became more severe 
stats-wise, did you know that 71% of colds are caused by rhinovirus 
?
, while others might be more... vulnerable 
.
its not just bout restin an drinkin tea, its about knowin wht ur body needs 2 fight off dat nasty virus 
& if u start feelin wheezing or high fever, dont be shy 2 go see a doc 
So I think this study is pretty cool cuz it's finally shedding some light on why some people get these bad colds and others are like "meh" 
And I guess it's also super important to wash those hands regularly because, let's be real, germs are everywhere 
So yeah, I'm glad researchers are looking into this cuz I think there could be some real game changers in terms of treatments and prevention strategies coming out of this study 
But what's up with some ppl having weak immune responses? 
. Like, we've been dealing w/ these stupid viruses 4eva & nobody's figured out why some ppl get hit harder than others?! It's not just about the virus itself, it's about ur body's immune response! 
. Hand washin' is key, obvs 
. And omg, don't even get me started on how many ppl suffer from asthma attacks & bronchitis cuz of these stupid colds 
. More research, pls! 
. It's wild that they created these mini organoids from human nasal cells and tested 'em out in a lab setting 
Laboratory.
, and that's when the real fun starts...or should I say, misery 
.
. I mean, why do some people produce enough interferons to keep the rhinovirus at bay while others are like "bring it on"? 
It's like we're all just winging it here 
. And, let's be real, who doesn't love the idea of reducing transmission by washing your hands regularly 
. Like, maybe we'll have a way to boost our immune systems or something 
.
and then I read this study and I'm like WOW okay universe we get it you don't want us humans to be healthy and happy 
I need answers!
. Like, can't we just have one season of not being miserable for once? 
. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good excuse to wash their hands more often? 
i feel bad for ppl who get really sick from colds lol i guess hand washing is super important in preventing the spread of rhinovirus 
also dont forget to go see a doc if ur symptoms last longer than 3 days 
.