Scientists have long struggled to understand why some people are able to shrug off a cold with just a sniffle, while others end up hospitalized with life-threatening complications. A new study published in Cell Press Blue has shed some light on this mystery.
According to the researchers at Yale Medicine, it's not the virus itself that determines how severe or mild a person's symptoms will be. Instead, it's the body's early immune response that plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of an infection like the common cold.
In order to understand this process, the researchers created miniature 3D tissue structures called organoids from human nasal cells. These tiny models acted remarkably like actual noses and lungs, even producing mucus when infected with rhinovirus - the most common cause of colds.
What they found was that the production of interferons, proteins produced by the body to fight off infections, plays a key role in determining whether a cold will be mild or severe. Interferons work like a firebreak to keep the virus from spreading and causing damage. However, when these proteins are weakly produced or inhibited, the virus becomes more aggressive and can lead to serious complications.
But why do some people produce sufficient interferons to keep their cold at bay, while others have a weaker response? The researchers still don't know for sure, but it's clear that this is an important area of further study.
As for prevention, hand washing remains the best defense against rhinovirus. People who experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, and fever should seek medical attention if they persist or worsen over time. And while there may not be a vaccine available for rhinovirus just yet, scientists are working to develop new treatments that can help people manage their symptoms more effectively.
The study's lead author, Ellen Foxman, noted that the human body is driven by an early immune response that determines the disease outcome, but the mechanisms behind this process are not well understood. Her team's work has shed some light on these mechanisms and highlights the need for further research into this complex topic.
According to the researchers at Yale Medicine, it's not the virus itself that determines how severe or mild a person's symptoms will be. Instead, it's the body's early immune response that plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of an infection like the common cold.
In order to understand this process, the researchers created miniature 3D tissue structures called organoids from human nasal cells. These tiny models acted remarkably like actual noses and lungs, even producing mucus when infected with rhinovirus - the most common cause of colds.
What they found was that the production of interferons, proteins produced by the body to fight off infections, plays a key role in determining whether a cold will be mild or severe. Interferons work like a firebreak to keep the virus from spreading and causing damage. However, when these proteins are weakly produced or inhibited, the virus becomes more aggressive and can lead to serious complications.
But why do some people produce sufficient interferons to keep their cold at bay, while others have a weaker response? The researchers still don't know for sure, but it's clear that this is an important area of further study.
As for prevention, hand washing remains the best defense against rhinovirus. People who experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, and fever should seek medical attention if they persist or worsen over time. And while there may not be a vaccine available for rhinovirus just yet, scientists are working to develop new treatments that can help people manage their symptoms more effectively.
The study's lead author, Ellen Foxman, noted that the human body is driven by an early immune response that determines the disease outcome, but the mechanisms behind this process are not well understood. Her team's work has shed some light on these mechanisms and highlights the need for further research into this complex topic.
. The fact that its not just about the virus itself but how our immune system responds is mind-blowing. And to think scientists are working on new treatments that can help manage symptoms... that's a huge step forward 
. Like, one minute you're fine, sniffle a bit, next thing you know you're stuck in bed with pneumonia 
. It's crazy how something that's supposed to help keep us healthy can sometimes do the opposite. I mean, what even is a normal immune response? And why can't we just get more info on this? Like, it sounds like it's all about these interferons and stuff 
. Maybe they should start working on some new treatments that can give our bodies an extra boost 
. Hand washing is still the best way to protect ourselves, but wouldn't it be awesome if there was a cure or something for rhinovirus? 
these tiny organoids are literally like mini noses and lungs 
but seriously the fact that interferons play a key role in determining whether a cold is mild or severe is mind blown 
like if only we could figure out why some people produce more of them than others 
. Like, what even is with our immune system? One minute we're fine, the next we're dying from pneumonia... anyway, the fact that interferons play a key role in keeping the virus under control is super interesting 
They're saying it's not the virus that's all that matters, but what our bodies do in response to it 
. So basically, our immune system is like a firebreak that helps stop the virus from taking over 
, but some people just don't get enough of this magic 
. It's wild! #ColdWarfare #ImmuneSystemMystery #FireBreakEffect
. We've got this idea that it's not the virus itself, but rather our immune response that determines the outcome, which sounds a lot like the whole 'it's not about me' thing in politics - everyone's immune system is different, so no one can pinpoint exactly what's causing the problem. And then there's this business about interferons being like firebreaks to stop the virus from spreading... reminds me of all those promises politicians make during election season 
. Meanwhile, hand washing remains the best defense against rhinovirus - yawn, how original. But seriously, who's gonna be able to develop new treatments that can help people manage their symptoms more effectively? We need some real solutions here, not just Band-Aid fixes 
.
, but understanding why some people are more resilient than others is key 
? But seriously, this study is a big deal because it shows how our bodies really work against infections like the common cold. And let's be real, hand washing is still the simplest and most effective way to prevent getting sick in the first place 
.
. I mean, I'm glad scientists are working on figuring out how to make us all more resilient against rhinovirus... but at the same time, can't we just have a magic cure for aches and pains? 
It's like, what's up with that?!
. Like, one person might be totally fine after a sniffle, while another ends up in the hospital 
. It makes sense that it's not just about the virus itself, but also how our immune system responds to it 
, even if we don't fully understand why some people produce more of them than others 
The fact that scientists still don't know is literally infuriating 
. but seriously, this study is giving me hope for some new meds. I've had so many friends who got the flu or pneumonia from something that could've been managed with better treatment. 
it's all about those interferons, right? I feel like we need more research into how our bodies respond to these things and maybe then we can find a way to boost that immune system 
& we got a weak immune system & we're all just wingin it lol 
but seriusly its like why do some ppl just shrug off a cold w/ no probz & others get hospitalized?? this whole interferon thing is wild & i feel bad 4 those ppl who cant even get a decent cold 
& scientists r workin on new treatments lol gotta keep our immune systems strong 
This study is making me wanna go wash my hands all day (which is not bad, tbh 
I think it's crazy that scientists are still trying to figure this out and maybe one day we'll have treatments that can help us better manage our symptoms 
- my body just shrugs off a cold and I'm good to go, no sniffles or sneezes needed 
They think it has something to do with our immune system responding early on, like a firebreak