Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 29, 2026

Neutron Crystallography Data Collection and Processing for Modelling Hydrogen Atoms in Protein Structures
Published on: December 1, 2020
Structural Mapping of Surveillance Data Reveals Conservation of NNI Binding Site in RSV L Protein
Ruchin Patel1, Edward Murray1, Debbie D Nahas1
1Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA.
Abstract:
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remains a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) and infant mortality worldwide. Despite recent advances in prophylactic interventions, effective therapeutics for active RSV infection are still lacking. Small molecule non-nucleoside inhibitors (NNIs) targeting the RSV L protein, particularly its polyribonucleotidyltransferase (PRNTase) domain, represent a promising antiviral strategy. Here, we evaluate the genetic variability of the PRNTase domain and the binding pocket of two NNIs, MRK-1 and MRK-2, to assess the potential for preexisting resistance. A comprehensive analysis of 28,140 RSV L protein sequences from NCBI Virus and GISAID EpiRSV databases revealed low overall variability within the PRNTase domain and near-complete conservation of the MRK-1/2 binding pocket. Resistance-associated mutations identified through in vitro dose-escalation studies localized to this pocket but were absent in global sequence datasets. These findings support the PRNTase domain as a genetically stable and viable target for NNI-based RSV therapeutics and suggest a low likelihood of preexisting resistance among circulating strains.
More Related Videos
08:53Biochemical and Structural Characterization of the Carbohydrate Transport Substrate-binding-protein SP0092
Published on: October 2, 2017
16:02Demonstration of the Sequence Alignment to Predict Across Species Susceptibility Tool for Rapid Assessment of Protein Conservation
Published on: February 10, 2023
Related Concept Videos
Conserved Binding Sites
Binding sites are often located in large pockets, and if their location on a protein’s surface is unknown, it can be predicted using various approaches. The energetic method computationally...
Conserved Binding Sites
Conservation of Protein Domains Over Different Proteins
A limited set of protein domains often duplicate and recombine during evolution. These domains can be organized in different combinations to...
Protein and Protein Structure
A protein's shape is critical to its function. For example, an enzyme...
Conservation of Protein Domains
Structural Protein Function
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to...