Type 2 inflammation reduces SARS-CoV-2 replication in the airway epithelium in allergic asthma through functional alteration of ciliated epithelial cells I

Despite well-known susceptibilities to other respiratory viral infections, individuals with allergic asthma have shown reduced susceptibility to severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Bronchial AECs from healthy nonsensitized children (n= 17) and children with allergic asthma (n= 15) aged 6 to 18 years (Tables I and II) were obtained from subjects while under general anesthesia; the cells were obtained by using 4-mm Harrell unsheathed bronchoscope cytology brushes (ConMed, Utica, NY). As we and others have described33,34 an unprotected brush was inserted through an endotracheal tube, advanced until resistance was felt, and rubbed against the airway surface for 2 seconds. Cells were then seeded onto T-25 cell culture flasks precoated with type I collagen and proliferated under submerged culture conditions