The role of p38 MAPK in rhinovirus-induced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 production by monocytic-lineage cells.

Viral respiratory infections are a major cause of asthma exacerbations and can contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma. Major group human rhinovirus enters cells by binding to the cell surface molecule ICAM-1 that is present on epithelial and monocytic lineage cells. The focus of the resulting viral infection is in bronchial epithelia.