title: Models of infection and exacerbations in COPD.
abstract: Despite optimal use of currently available therapy for stable COPD, acute exacerbations are common events that constitute a major health burden. The development of highly sensitive diagnostic tools highlighted the role of viral infections in inducing COPD exacerbations, with rhinoviruses being the most frequently identified virus type. So far, little is known about the mechanisms of virus-induced exacerbations. The recent development of the first human rhinovirus-induced COPD exacerbation model represents an invaluable tool towards increasing our knowledge of immunological and inflammatory mechanisms of COPD exacerbation. The model will give us the opportunity to highlight key inflammatory mediators representing possible therapeutic targets for the development of novel drugs able to treat and prevent acute episodes in COPD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Research Centre on Asthma and COPD, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Papi
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Contoli
authors.forename: Gaetano
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Caramori
authors.forename: Caramori
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gaetano
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mallia
authors.forename: Sebastian L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Johnston
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology*; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology*
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents