The common cold is generally not life threatening to most people, but does cause significant morbidity and loss of productivity. For some, particularly those with asthma or who are immunocompromised, it can be quite serious. Prospects are in hand for development of a new therapeutic that could have a major impact on the spread and pathogenesis of cold viruses, in particular human rhinorivus (HRV). The objective of this proposal is to develop an ICAM1/IgA fusion protein produced in plants into an effective therapy and preventive agent against HRV. The extracellular domains of human ICAM-1, a protein found on the surface of many cell types, is used by HRV as a receptor. Genetic fusion of these ICAM-1 domains to the constant region of human IgA2m(2) creates a protein that is very effective at blocking HRV infection of cells. This protein has now been expressed in plants, where it can be produced very economically. Plants producing high levels of ICAM-1/IgA2 will be propagated, and efficient methods will be developed for purification of clinical-grade protein. The protein will be characterized in vitro, then tested in animals for safety and finally in human volunteers for effectiveness in preventing infection by HRV or development of cold symptoms.
The goal of this project is to develop a practical and affordable way of preventing infection by human rhinovirus, or drastically reducing its symptoms. Transgenic plants offer the only practical way to produce a therapeutic protein on the scale needed to treat the common cold. An effective product will have significant commercial potential.
