title: [Research Progress in the F Gene and Protein of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus].
abstract: The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) belongs to the family Paramyxoviridae and subfamily Pneumovirinae. The RSV can cause acute infections of the lower respiratory tract in infants. The F gene of the RSV is a conservative gene and varies only slightly in its expression. Few studies focusing on the variability of the F gene have been carried out. F protein (fusion glycoprotein) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that mediates fusion and penetration between the virus and host cells. Neutralizing antibody against the F protein can protect against infection by RSV subtypes A and B. Hence, F protein has become the main target for the development of a monoclonal antibody and vaccine against the RSV. An effective vaccine is not available, so a monoclonal antibody against F protein is now the most important method to reduce the morbidity and severity associated with RSV infection in high-risk children. However, a monoclonal antibody can lead to the production of drug-resistant strains of the RSV. This review focuses on genetic variation of the F gene of the RSV as well as progress in the development of a monoclonal antibody against F protein and a vaccine in the last decade.
authors.forename: Feng
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Zhengde
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Xie
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000821:virology*; D012136:Respiratory Syncytial Viruses / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D014760:Viral Fusion Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology*; D014765:Viral Vaccines / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D014760:Viral Fusion Proteins; D014765:Viral Vaccines