RSV Prevention: A Potential Key to Reducing Childhood Asthma
A groundbreaking study by Belgian researchers from VIB and Ghent University (UGent), in collaboration with Danish partners, has revealed a compelling connection between early-life respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and the subsequent development of childhood asthma. The research indicates that infants infected with RSV in their early months are significantly more likely to develop asthma, particularly if they have a family history of allergies or asthma.
Published in Science Immunology on November 28, the findings suggest that widespread efforts to protect newborns from RSV could lead to a substantial reduction in asthma rates later in life. This discovery holds significant implications for public health strategies focused on early disease prevention.
Understanding the Link Between RSV and Asthma
Asthma affects between 5% and 15% of children across Europe, posing challenges to their daily lives, placing burdens on families, and incurring substantial societal costs. Identifying effective ways to mitigate asthma risk before symptoms manifest has become a pressing health priority.
“Childhood asthma is a complex disease influenced by numerous factors,” explains Prof. Bart Lambrecht (VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research), the senior author of the study. “Our research demonstrates a specific interaction between early-life RSV infection and genetic allergy risk, driving the immune system towards asthma. Encouragingly, this process is preventable.”
The Interplay of RSV and Inherited Allergy Risk
To investigate this relationship, the research team integrated comprehensive nationwide health registry data from Danish children and their parents with controlled laboratory experiments. This approach elucidated how early viral infections can amplify the impact of inherited allergy predispositions.
The study revealed that infants who experience severe RSV infections early in life are more prone to developing immune responses that overreact to common allergens, such as house dust mites. This susceptibility is further heightened in children with a family history of asthma or allergies, as allergen-specific antibodies passed from parents to newborns increase their sensitivity.
Preventing RSV: A Path to Long-Term Respiratory Health
A crucial aspect of the research demonstrated that protecting newborns from RSV in experimental models effectively prevented these immune system alterations, thereby preventing the development of asthma.
“With RSV prevention becoming increasingly accessible, we have a chance to improve long-term respiratory health, going beyond just preventing RSV hospitalizations,” states Prof. Hamida Hammad (VIB-UGent), co-senior author. “This is not merely a laboratory observation; it's a message that should empower parents to confidently choose RSV prevention.”
Maternal vaccination during the third trimester of pregnancy and passive immunization of newborns using long-acting antibodies are being implemented in numerous countries. While these methods are highly effective in preventing RSV hospitalizations, their adoption has been inconsistent.
A Call to Action
“This is an opportune moment for policy, science, and pediatricians to converge,” Lambrecht emphasizes. “If preventing RSV infection also reduces asthma risk, the benefits for families and health systems could be immense.”
This research was supported by the European Research Council, the University of Ghent, and Research Foundation -- Flanders (FWO).
