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Antigenic and genetic variability of human metapneumoviruses

Bernadette G van den Hoogen1, Sander Herfst, Leo Sprong

  • 1Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Emerging Infectious Diseases
|June 18, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) genetic lineages show antigenic relationships. Two HMPV serotypes were defined, each with two genetic lineages that did not significantly alter antigenic properties.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a Pneumovirinae subfamily member.
  • Genetic lineages of HMPV have been previously described.
  • Antigenic relationships between HMPV genetic lineages require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the antigenic relationship between HMPV genetic lineages.
  • To analyze the genetic diversity of HMPV.
  • To define HMPV serotypes based on genetic and antigenic data.

Main Methods:

  • Phylogenetic analysis of fusion and attachment protein genes.
  • Virus neutralization assays to assess antigenic relationships.
  • Sequence diversity analysis of HMPV genes.

Main Results:

  • Two distinct HMPV serotypes were identified.
  • Each serotype comprised two genetic lineages.
  • Genetic lineages within serotypes did not correlate with major antigenic differences.

Conclusions:

  • The study defines two HMPV serotypes based on genetic and antigenic data.
  • HMPV genetic diversity exists within defined serotypes.
  • Further research is needed to understand the full antigenic spectrum of HMPV.

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