An anti-human ICAM-1 antibody inhibits human rhinovirus infection in the mouse model of human major group rhinovirus infection

Introduction: Human rhinoviruses (HRV) cause the common cold and the majority of acute exacerbations of asthma and COPD. 90% of HRV belong to the major group and use human ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule 1) for cell attachment and entry. We previously established a human/mouse chimeric ICAM-1 transgenic mouse model of human major group rhinovirus infection. However, antiviral approaches have not yet been studied in this model. Aim: To evaluate the inhibition of HRV-induced airway inflammation by a mouse anti-human ICAM-1 antibody. Methods: Transgenic mice were treated i.n. or i.v. with an ICAM-1 antibody before HRV16 or HRV14 challenge. To exclude possible effects of an ICAM-1 antibody on cell trafficking we evaluated an ICAM-1 antibody in the transgenic mice by infecting them with minor group HRV1B or in an LPS challenge model. Results: Both i.n. and i.v. dosed ICAM-1 antibody inhibited HRV16 induced bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells (p Conclusion: We have shown for the first time that an anti-human ICAM-1 specific antibody can be used to prevent human rhinovirus entry and replication and induction of airway inflammation in vivo.