Intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein receptor of the immunoglobulin superfamily. Endothelial cells, epithelial cells, leukocytes and neutrophils are the major cells expressing ICAM‐1. Ligands of ICAM‐1 are macrophage adhesion ligand‐1, leukocyte function‐associated antigen‐1 and fibrinogen (extracellular matrix protein). In normal physiological conditions, engagement of ICAM‐1 receptor with immunological cells surface ligands assists in homing and trafficking of inflammatory cells to distant tissues. ICAM‐1 has also long been known to mediate cell‐to‐cell interaction during antigen presentation and outside‐in cell signalling pathways. ICAM‐1‐mediated elevated inflammation is implicated in asthma. On respiratory epithelial cells surface, ICAM‐1 acts as natural binding site for human rhinovirus (HRV), a common cold virus that ultimately causes exacerbation of asthma. This review presents the findings on the role of ICAM‐1 in the complication of asthma and in particular asthma exacerbation by HRV.