The Pneumovirinae fusion (F) protein: A common target for vaccines and antivirals

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José A Melero1, Vicente Mas1

  • 1Centro Nacional de Microbiología and CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain.

Virus Research
|March 5, 2015
PubMed

Insights

This review summarizes strategies targeting the Pneumovirinae fusion (F) protein to combat human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV). It discusses advancements in vaccines and antiviral inhibitors, analyzing their pros and cons.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Structural Biology

Background:

  • The Pneumovirinae fusion (F) protein is crucial for viral entry and infection.
  • Antibodies and chemical compounds targeting the F protein show potent antiviral activity.
  • Understanding F protein antigenicity is key for developing effective vaccines.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and critically discuss strategies targeting the Pneumovirinae F protein.
  • To analyze advancements in structure-based vaccines and antiviral inhibitors.
  • To compare the advantages and disadvantages of different therapeutic options against hRSV and hMPV.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of structure-based studies.
  • Analysis of F protein antigenicity and inhibitor mechanisms.
  • Critical discussion of therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

  • Structure-based vaccine development benefits from understanding F protein conformations and epitopes.
  • Structure-based studies elucidate antiviral inhibitor mechanisms and resistance.
  • New insights into F protein antigenicity aid vaccine design.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting the Pneumovirinae F protein is a promising strategy against hRSV and hMPV.
  • Structure-based approaches are advancing vaccine and antiviral development.
  • A comprehensive understanding of F protein is essential for combating these viral pathogens.
Keywords:
Fusion protein inhibitors and antibodiesHuman RSV and human MPVVaccines and antivirals

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