Why do some people get sicker from colds than others according to the Yale study?

The Yale study found that the severity of cold symptoms depends on how quickly nasal cells respond to the rhinovirus infection by releasing interferons.

How do interferons help fight off a cold?

Interferons are proteins that block viruses from entering cells and spreading, preventing infection if released quickly enough by the immune system.

Can air pollution make my cold worse according to researchers?

Yes, inhaling pollution or cigarette smoke can negatively impact the nasal immune response, potentially leading to more severe cold symptoms.

Home / Health / New Study Reveals Cold's Nasal Battleground

New Study Reveals Cold's Nasal Battleground

21 Jan

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Summary

Nasal cell response to rhinovirus determines cold symptom severity.
Interferons block viruses; delayed response leads to infection.
Temperature and pollution can affect nasal immune response.

New Study Reveals Cold's Nasal Battleground

New research offers a detailed look into why some people experience severe cold symptoms while others remain unaffected. The study, published on January 19, 2026, in Cell Press Blue, highlights the critical role of nasal cells' response to rhinovirus, the primary cause of the common cold.

Scientists observed that a swift immune reaction, characterized by the release of interferons, effectively prevents the virus from infecting more than 1% of nasal cells. These proteins act as a defense, blocking viral entry and spread, thus averting illness.

Conversely, when interferons are delayed or compromised, the virus proliferates. This impaired response can lead to 30% or more of cells becoming infected, triggering inflammation and excess mucus production—the hallmarks of a common cold.