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New Study Reveals Cold's Nasal Battleground
21 Jan
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 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.
Several factors can influence this immune response. Recent viral infections may prime the nasal passages for a quicker defense. Cooler air temperatures, common in winter, could slow interferon production, giving viruses an advantage. Furthermore, exposure to environmental irritants like pollution or cigarette smoke can detrimentally alter the immune reaction, increasing susceptibility to severe symptoms.
