Asthma, COPD and more recently CF are respiratory diseases that are exacerbated by respiratory virus infections.24,35–39 The underlying aetiology is complex, but involves overzealous inflammation,24,37,40–42 bacterial colonization38 and impaired antiviral immunity.16,24,29 In this study, we identified several new macrolides with virus-induced IFN-augmenting properties, with additional anti-inflammatory and antibacterial potential. The gene discussed is IFNA1; the disease is asthma.