Anti-Respiratory Syncytial Virus fusion protein antibody [RSV3216 (B016)]

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) fusion protein also called F protein is critical in the viral entry process. It facilitates the fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane permitting the viral RNA to enter the host cell. The fusion protein is a trimeric glycoprotein expressed on the surface of the RSV virion and has a molecular mass of approximately 64 kDa. The protein undergoes maturation through proteolytic processing which is important for its function. RSV fusion protein is primarily expressed in the respiratory tract during infections.

Biological function summary

The RSV fusion protein plays a pivotal role in initiating infection by mediating the fusion of the virus with the host cell membrane. It forms part of a complex that includes other viral envelope glycoproteins such as the attachment (G) protein facilitating viral binding and fusion. The conformational change in the fusion protein triggers the merging of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane an essential step for viral replication and spread within the host.

Pathways

Fusion protein contributes significantly to the viral infection pathway of RSV. During virus-host cell interaction the fusion protein engages with cell surface receptors like nucleolin part of the viral entry pathway. Additionally the fusion protein's activity is related to the broader class I viral fusion proteins which includes influenza hemagglutinin detailing its fundamental role in viral pathogenesis and immune evasion strategies.

Associated diseases and disorders

The RSV fusion protein is a major factor in illnesses such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia particularly in young children and immunocompromised patients. The fusion protein's activity is associated with the exacerbation of these respiratory conditions. It also interacts with proteins like the G protein during infection which can influence RSV pathogenicity and the host's immune response. Understanding these interactions helps in the development of therapeutic and preventative strategies against RSV-related diseases.