Allergen Immunotherapy Enhances Airway Epithelial Antiviral Immunity in Patients with Allergic Asthma (VITAL Study) : A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Rationale: Allergic asthma is linked to impaired bronchial epithelial secretion of IFNs, which may be causally linked to the increased risk of viral exacerbations. We have previously shown that allergen immunotherapy (AIT) effectively reduces asthma exacerbations and prevents respiratory infections requiring antibiotics; however, whether AIT alters antiviral immunity is still unknown. Objectives: