Innate immune responses are increased in children with acute asthma exacerbation

Our study aimed to better understand the immune responses during an acute asthma exacerbation in children. Gene expression profiles were examined by RNA-sequencing in blood samples. Samples were collected on average 2.5 day after systemic corticosteroid treatment. Our findings show that pro-inflammatory genes and pathways related to innate responses and signaling remained increased in children hospitalized for acute asthma exacerbation. Genes and pathways involved in adaptive immune respones, particularly T lymphocyte activation, were decreased in children hospitalized for acute asthma exacerbation. These studies suggest that innate immune responses may remain activated following hospitalization for asthma exacerbation. Overall design: Following informed consent, blood samples were collected from patients admitted to hospital for acute asthma exacerbation and healthy controls