Rhinovirus infections and immunisation induce cross-serotype reactive antibodies to VP1

Rhinoviruses (RVs) are ubiquitous human respiratory viruses, the major cause of common colds, acute exacerbations of asthma and other respiratory diseases. The development of antibodies to RV following primary infection is poorly understood and there is currently no RV vaccine available. We therefore used mouse models of intranasal RV infection and immunisation to determine the induction, magnitude and specificity of antibody responses. Strong cross-serotype RV-specific IgG responses in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage were induced towards the RV capsid protein VP1. IgA responses were weaker, requiring two infections to generate detectable RV-specific binding. Similarly two or more RV infections were necessary to induce neutralising antibodies. Immunisation strategies boosted homotypic as well as inducing cross-serotype neutralising IgG responses. We conclude that VP1 based antigens combined with adjuvants may permit successful antibody-mediated vaccine design and development.

► Antibody responses in mouse models of intranasal RV infection and immunisation.
► RV infection induces cross-serotype RV-specific IgG responses.
► RV capsid protein VP1 was the dominant antibody target.
► Induction of neutralising antibodies requires two RV infections.
► RV immunisation generates cross-serotype neutralising antibodies.