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Updated: May 5, 2026
An Improved and High Throughput Respiratory Syncytial Virus RSV Micro-neutralization Assay
Published on: January 26, 2019
Detection of respiratory syncytial virus fusion protein variants between 2009 and 2012 in China
Qiuling Xia1, Lili Zhou, Caijing Peng
1Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China.
Insights
This study analyzed the genetic diversity of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) F protein in children with acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI). Findings show the RSV F gene is conserved but has variations, informing vaccine development.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Vaccine Development
Background:
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a major cause of acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI) in young children.
- The RSV fusion (F) protein is a key target for neutralizing antibodies and T-cells, making it a crucial candidate for vaccine research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic diversity of the RSV F protein in clinical isolates from children with ALRTI.
- To identify potential variations in the F protein that could impact vaccine efficacy or diagnostics.
Main Methods:
- Collected 1800 nasopharyngeal aspirates from children with ALRTI between 2009 and 2012.
- Isolated and sequenced the F gene from 130 RSV strains (RSV A and RSV B).
- Performed phylogenetic analysis, Western blot, and microneutralization assays.
Main Results:
- RSV was detected in 18.5% of cases, with RSV A predominant.
- Phylogenetic analysis showed high conservation of the F gene, with key amino acid changes noted at specific residues.
- A variation (N→S) at residue 276 in the palivizumab binding site of RSV A increased over time but did not confer resistance to palivizumab.
Conclusions:
- The RSV F gene exhibits geographical and temporal conservation, with limited but significant genetic variations observed.
- These identified variations, particularly in CTL epitopes and the palivizumab binding site, provide valuable data for the development of effective RSV vaccines.
Abstract:
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes respiratory tract infection, particularly acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI), in early childhood. The RSV fusion protein (F protein) is an important surface protein, and it is the target of both cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and neutralizing antibodies; thus, it may be useful as a candidate for vaccine research. This study investigated the genetic diversity of the RSV F protein. To this end, a total of 1800 nasopharyngeal aspirates from hospitalized children with ALRTI were collected for virus isolation between June 2009 and March 2012. There were 333 RSV-positive cases (277 cases of RSV A, 55 of RSV B, and 1 with both RSV A and RSV B), accounting for 18.5 % of the total cases. Next, 130 clinical strains (107 of RSV A, 23 of RSV B) were selected for F gene sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the F gene sequence is highly conserved, with significant amino acid changes at residues 16, 25, 45, 102, 122, 124, 209, and 447. Mutations in human histocompatibility leukocyte antigen (HLA)-restricted CTL epitopes were also observed. Variations in RSV A F protein at the palivizumab binding site 276 (N→S) increased between 2009 and 2012 and became predominant. Western blot analysis and microneutralization data showed a substitution at residue 276 (N→S) in RSV A that did not cause resistance to palivizumab. In conclusion, the RSV F gene is geographically and temporally conserved, but limited genetic variations were still observed. These data could be helpful for the development of vaccines against RSV infection.
