A new class of vaccines targeting the viruses causing the common cold, rhinoviruses (RV).
Rhinoviruses (RV) are the most common cause of the common cold, accounting for up to 80% of all cases. Adults have an average of two to three colds per year, and even more frequent in children. Although the common cold is generally not severe, it can be debilitating and significantly impact productivity and quality of life. In addition, rhinoviruses can cause severe respiratory illness in those with compromised immune systems, such as those with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and the elderly. Currently, there are no specific antiviral treatments for rhinovirus infections, and standard care only provides symptomatic relief with over-the-counter medications. Vaccines against rhinovirus have been under development for decades, but none have been FDA-approved.
Emory researchers are developing a novel method for generating capsid-chimeric recombinant rhinovirus strains for generating new vaccine platform. These strains are genetically modified to enclose genetic material that enhances the production of neutralizing antibodies. The inventors developed three capsid-chimeric recombinant RV strains using a single backbone that contains non-structural proteins. Then they observed the induction of capsid-specific neutralizing antibody via immunization with each chimeric recombinant RV strain.