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Human Metapneumovirus: A Narrative Review on Emerging Strategies for Prevention and Treatment

Nicola Principi1, Valentina Fainardi2, Susanna Esposito2

  • 1Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy.

Viruses
|August 28, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) causes significant respiratory infections, yet no vaccines or treatments exist. Promising monoclonal antibodies and diverse vaccine platforms are under development, but more research is needed for clinical application.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a leading cause of acute respiratory tract infections globally.
  • HMPV significantly impacts public health, particularly in vulnerable populations like infants and the elderly.
  • Despite its impact, effective vaccines and antiviral therapies for HMPV are currently unavailable.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and synthesize current knowledge on HMPV prevention and treatment strategies.
  • To identify and highlight promising future interventions for HMPV infection.
  • To underscore the need for continued research and development of HMPV therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on HMPV interventions.
  • Analysis of monoclonal antibodies targeting the HMPV fusion (F) protein.
  • Evaluation of various vaccine platforms (subunit, live attenuated, vector-based, mRNA).
  • Assessment of antiviral drug research, including repurposed and novel agents.

Main Results:

  • Monoclonal antibodies show potent in vitro and in vivo neutralizing activity but require clinical trials.
  • Vaccine candidates demonstrate promise in adults, but pediatric data, especially for infants, is limited.
  • Antiviral research includes repurposed drugs and novel agents like fusion inhibitors, none yet approved.
  • Multivalent approaches targeting multiple respiratory viruses are a key future direction.

Conclusions:

  • Development of HMPV vaccines and therapies is progressing, with several promising candidates.
  • Addressing HMPV requires continued research to translate preclinical findings into clinical applications.
  • Effective interventions, particularly multivalent strategies, are crucial to reduce the global burden of HMPV infection.
Keywords:
antiviral therapyhuman metapneumovirusmonoclonal antibodiespediatric respiratory diseaserespiratory infectionsvaccine development

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