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Updated: Aug 23, 2026
Highly Sensitive Assay for Measurement of Arenavirus-cell Attachment
Published on: March 2, 2016
High genetic diversity of the attachment (G) protein of human metapneumovirus
Nobuhisa Ishiguro1, Takashi Ebihara, Rika Endo
1Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, N-15, W-7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan.
Abstract:
Complete genes encoding the predicted nucleoprotein (N), phosphoprotein (P), matrix protein (M), fusion protein (F), M2-1protein, M2-2protein, small hydrophobic protein (SH), and attachmentprotein (G) of seven newly isolated human metapneumoviruses (hMPVs) were analyzed and compared with previously published data for hMPV genes. Phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequences indicated that there were two genetic groups, tentatively named groups 1 and 2, similar to the grouping of human respiratory syncytial virus. Although the predicted amino acid sequences of N, P, M, F, and M2 were highly conserved between the two groups (amino acid identities, 96% for N, 85% for P, 97% for M, 94% for F, 95% for M2-1, and 90% for M2-2), the amino acid identities of the SH and G proteins were low (SH, 58%; G, 33%). Furthermore, each group could be subdivided into two subgroups by phylogenetic analysis, tentatively named subgroups 1A and 1B and subgroups 2A and 2B. The predicted amino acid sequences of G within members of each subgroup were highly conserved (amino acid identities, 88% for group 1A, 93% for group 1B, and 96% for group 2B). The G of hMPV is thought to be the major antigenic determinant and to play an important role in the production of neutralizing antibodies. Clarification of the antigenic diversity of G is important for epidemiological analysis and for establishment of strategies to prevent hMPV infection.
Insights
Phylogenetic analysis revealed two main genetic groups of human metapneumoviruses (hMPVs), with significant variation in the attachment (G) protein. This diversity in the G protein is crucial for understanding hMPV epidemiology and developing prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a significant respiratory pathogen.
- Understanding hMPV genetic diversity is essential for public health.
- Previous studies have characterized some hMPV genes, but comprehensive analysis of newly isolated strains is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze and compare complete genes of newly isolated hMPVs with existing data.
- To investigate the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of hMPV strains.
- To clarify the antigenic diversity of the hMPV G protein for epidemiological and control strategies.
Main Methods:
- Sequencing of complete genes encoding N, P, M, F, M2-1, M2-2, SH, and G proteins.
- Phylogenetic analysis of nucleotide and amino acid sequences.
- Comparison of sequence identities between different hMPV groups and subgroups.
Main Results:
- Two major genetic groups (1 and 2) and four subgroups (1A, 1B, 2A, 2B) were identified.
- Nucleoprotein (N), phosphoprotein (P), matrix protein (M), and fusion (F) proteins showed high amino acid conservation (>85%).
- Small hydrophobic (SH) and attachment (G) proteins exhibited low amino acid identity (58% and 33%, respectively) between groups, with higher conservation within subgroups.
Conclusions:
- The hMPV G protein displays significant antigenic diversity, crucial for immune response.
- Phylogenetic grouping provides a framework for understanding hMPV evolution.
- Further research into G protein diversity is vital for developing effective hMPV vaccines and diagnostics.
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