The Pneumovirinae fusion (F) protein: A common target for vaccines and antivirals.
The Pneumovirinae fusion (F) protein mediates fusion of the virus and cell membrane, an essential step for entry of the viral genome in the cell cytoplasm and initiation of a new infectious cycle. Accordingly, potent inhibitors of virus infectivity have been found among antibodies and chemical compounds that target the Pneumovirinae F protein. Recent developments in structure-based vaccines have led to a deeper understanding of F protein antigenicity, unveiling new conformations and epitopes which should assist in development of efficacious vaccines. Similarly, structure-based studies of potent antiviral inhibitors have provided information about their mode of action and mechanisms of resistance. The advantages and disadvantages of the different options to battle against important pathogens, such as human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) are summarized and critically discussed in this review.
Centro Nacional de Microbiología and CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain. Electronic address: jmelero@isciii.es.
José A
JA
Melero
Centro Nacional de Microbiología and CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain.
Vicente
V
Mas
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D008958:Models, Molecular; D018099:Pneumovirinae / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D011487:Protein Conformation; D014760:Viral Fusion Proteins / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D014765:Viral Vaccines / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D053586:Virus Internalization / Q000187:drug effects*
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D014760:Viral Fusion Proteins; D014765:Viral Vaccines
Fusion protein inhibitors and antibodies; Human RSV and human MPV; Vaccines and antivirals