Role of commensal viruses in allergic rhinitis

Researchers have examined whether clearing nasal commensal viruses may improve allergic rhinitis outcomes. Currently, up to 30% of the global population experiences allergic rhinitis.

In a study published in Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, the researchers used innate sensors to determine the mechanisms behind the relationship between nasal commensal viruses and allergic rhinitis. They then randomly assigned more than 40 patients with allergic rhinitis to receive ribavirin spray or placebo and subsequently assessed safety and efficacy outcomes.

Compared with those who received placebo, the patients who received ribavirin spray presented with fewer nasal commensal viruses and improved allergic rhinitis symptoms. The researchers found that nasal commensal viruses were involved in the production of type I interferon by gathering interferon-induced neutrophils that released allergic rhinitis-triggering neutrophil extracellular traps into the nasal cavity.

The findings suggested that nasal commensal viruses may play a role in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis. The researchers concluded that the results of their randomized, placebo-controlled trial may represent a new potential treatment option in this patient population.

Read more: Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy

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