Scientists say they have made "exciting" progress in finding a cure for the common cold.

Researchers at Edinburgh Napier University have discovered a molecule found in the immune systems of humans and animals which they believe could be a crucial step towards a cure.

They discovered possible new treatments based on antimicrobial peptides that occur naturally in immune systems, and increase the body's natural response to infection.

The five-year study, which cost £200,000, found the peptides from different mammals all contain properties which can fight rhinovirus, the main cause of colds in humans.

During experiments which used peptides made in a laboratory, the molecule successfully attacked the cold virus.


In the next stages of the research, scientists will try to modify the peptide to make it better at killing the rhinovirus.

Dr Peter Barlow, associate professor of immunology and infection at the university, said: "This study represents a major step towards finding a treatment."

Research is still in the early stages, but Dr Barlow said: "This is an exciting discovery and our next steps will be to modify the peptide to make it even better at killing this virus.

"We will ultimately be looking to develop drug treatments that have the potential to cure the common cold."

Rhinovirus is the most common strain of over 200 different types of cold virus.

Children get around seven to 10 colds a year, compared with two or three for adults, according to the NHS.