Exogenous IFN-β has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties in primary bronchial epithelial cells from asthmatic subjects exposed to rhinovirus

PBECs from asthmatic donors have a normal antiviral response to exogenous IFN-β. The ability of IFN-β to suppress viral replication suggests that it might limit virus-induced exacerbations by shortening the duration of the inflammatory response.