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Characterization of mumps virus strains with varying neurovirulence

Farideh Rafiefard1, Bo Johansson, Tesfaldet Tecle

  • 1Department of Virology, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.

Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|July 30, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Mumps virus strains were analyzed for genetic differences linked to neurovirulence. Specific amino acid changes in the haemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) and fusion (F) proteins may explain why some mumps strains cause severe illness.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Mumps virus causes significant morbidity, particularly neurological complications.
  • Understanding the genetic basis of mumps virus neurovirulence is crucial for public health.
  • Previous studies suggest viral proteins play a role in disease severity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate genetic variations in mumps virus strains associated with neurovirulence.
  • To identify specific amino acid differences in key viral proteins (HN and F) between neurovirulent and non-neurovirulent strains.
  • To explore potential links between viral genotype and pathogenicity.

Main Methods:

  • Sequencing of haemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) and fusion (F) protein genes from mumps virus strains (genotypes A and C).
  • Comparative analysis of amino acid sequences between neurovirulent (C1) and non-neurovirulent (C2) strains.
  • Analysis of the HN gene from the neurovirulent Kilham strain (genotype A).

Main Results:

  • Significant amino acid differences were identified in both HN and F proteins between C1 and C2 strains.
  • Two specific amino acid substitutions in C2 strains (Arg at HN335, Phe at F195) are potentially linked to reduced neurovirulence.
  • The Kilham strain HN protein showed unique amino acid variations, including changes in neutralizing epitopes, and similarities to neurovirulent genotype C strains.

Conclusions:

  • Specific amino acid variations in HN and F proteins are associated with mumps virus neurovirulence.
  • The identified substitutions may alter protein function, influencing disease outcome.
  • The HN protein of the Kilham strain presents unique characteristics that warrant further investigation into its role in mumps neurovirulence.

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