Identifying Serum Cytokine Profiles of Distinct Inflammatory Phenotypes in Severe Asthma

A prospective observational study of 90 adults diagnosed with severe asthma and on regular follow-up and 15 control subjects will be investigated. Stable (controlled or partly-controlled) status (of all) and exacerbated-status (if any) serum cytokine levels \[IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, IL-25, IL-33, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), IL-17A, periostin) will be evaluated. Also nasopharyngeal brush samples will be obtained for respiratory tract panel work-up with PCR in exacerbated patients. Effect of viral infections' on cytokine response in different inflammatory phenotypes will be evaluated.