Different rhinovirus serotypes neutralized by antipeptide antibodies

Recently, Rossman et al. have described the three-dimensional structure of a human rhinovirus. A possible host cell surface receptor binding site was identified with a cleft on each icosahedral face. Two highly conserved amino-acid sequences found in rhino-, polio-, and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) viruses are located near the base of this site and could be important in maintaining its topology. We have prepared site-specific antibodies to two synthetic peptides which include these sequences. The antibodies bind to the predicted capsid proteins of rhinovirus and neutralize approximately 60% of 48 rhinovirus serotypes tested. These results could provide a route to a rhinovirus vaccine effective against most of the numerous serotypes of this virus.