Scientists at UW-Madison were crucial in mapping the entire genetic code of the common cold, researchers announced Thursday, likely leading to relief for many worldwide.
University clinicians started the process when they needed to find the gene sequences of the common cold virus in an ongoing study of asthma patients. They collaborated with the University of Maryland to do so, said Ann Palmenberg, UW-Madison professor of molecular virology and co-author of the study.
We needed the complete genome, so we decided 'what the heck,' we'll take all the ones that haven't been done and do the whole thing,"" Palmenberg said.
She said the sequencing of the genetic code tells a ""huge amount about the biochemistry"" of the virus, and only 30 of the 99 strains were sequenced before the study. No other researchers had yet studied the cellular structures inside the virus that make humans sick, according to Palmenberg.
The common cold has three major species: A, B and C. Although the three differ, mapping the entire genetic sequence let researchers draw comparisons between the three and better understand how to fight the disease, she said.
However, she said it is unlikely there will be a vaccine for the types that cause a runny nose or aches, as the 99 strains would make it impractical. But she said drugs ""without question"" could be developed to fight the more dangerous type C species of cold virus that sometimes causes severe pneumonia or asthma.
According to the scientists' research paper, the common cold causes roughly 50 percent of all asthma flare-ups.
