Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

An Improved and High Throughput Respiratory Syncytial Virus RSV Micro-neutralization Assay
Published on: January 26, 2019
A multifunctional nanoparticle as a prophylactic and therapeutic approach targeting respiratory syncytial virus
Eleni Markoutsa1, Andrew R McGill2, Anthony Singer3
1James A Haley VA Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA; Center for Research and Education in Nanobio-engineering, Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA; College of Pharmacy Graduate Programs, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
Abstract:
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) has been a major health concern globally for decades, yet no effective prophylactic or treatment regimen is available. The key viral proteins responsible for RSV pathology include the fusion protein (F), the immunomodulatory non-structural-protein 1 (NS1) and the phosphoprotein (P) involved in viral replication. Herein, we developed a novel shell-core multifunctional nanosystem with dual payload: a plasmid construct encoding for shRNAs against NS1 and P, and an anti-fusion peptide (HR2D). Anti-ICAM1 antibody conjugated on the nanoparticle (NP) surface is used to target RSV infected cells. Our data show the potential of this nanosystem as a prophylactic and/or a therapeutic regimen against RSV infection. Furthermore, therapy of RSV infected mice with this nanosystem, in addition to reducing viral load, modulated expression of Th2 and allergy-associated cytokines such as IL4, IL-13 and IL-17 indicating a direct role of this nanosystem in the mechanisms involved in the immunoregulation of disease pathogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Inhibitors Of Virion Release

