Human Rhinovirus (HRV) (HRV)

Human Rhinovirus (HRV) is the primary viral pathogen responsible for the common cold, accounting for up to 80% of cases during peak seasons (StatPearls, 2023). The term "Common cold virus" is a non-specific designation for a group of over 200 viral strains, primarily Rhinoviruses, and is not a single molecular target. As a member of the Picornaviridae family, HRV consists of a positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome encased in a non-enveloped icosahedral capsid (NCBI, 2022). The virus initiates infection by binding to host cell surface receptors, most commonly Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM-1) or members of the Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor (LDLR) family, primarily in the upper respiratory tract (Nature Reviews Microbiology, 2013). Following entry and uncoating, the viral RNA is translated into a polyprotein that is processed by viral proteases, such as the 3C protease, to facilitate replication (PubMed, 2019). While typically causing mild, self-limiting symptoms like rhinorrhea and cough, HRV is a major driver of complications in patients with underlying respiratory conditions, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations (NIH, 2021). Therapeutic efforts have targeted viral structural proteins like VP1 to prevent uncoating (e.g., pleconaril) or non-structural proteins like the 3C protease to halt replication (e.g., rupintrivir) (Journal of Virology, 2016). Despite these efforts, no antiviral is currently FDA-approved for the common cold due to the vast diversity of over 160 serotypes and the rapid emergence of drug resistance (Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 2011).

Other names

Common cold virusRhinovirusHuman orthorespivirusHRV

Inhibition of viral capsid function to prevent uncoating and inhibition of viral 3C protease to prevent polyprotein processing (Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 2011).