Human metapneumovirus subtype A fusion glycoprotein (hMPV-A F protein) (hMPV-A F protein)

The Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) subtype A fusion (F) protein is a critical surface glycoprotein responsible for mediating viral entry into host cells (Battles et al., 2017, Science). It exists in a metastable prefusion conformation that, upon triggering, undergoes a dramatic structural rearrangement to a stable postfusion state, driving the fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane (Mas et al., 2016, Journal of Virology). Because the prefusion form displays the most potent neutralizing epitopes, it is the primary target for vaccine development and therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (Moderna, 2024; Wen et al., 2012, Nature Communications). hMPV is a leading cause of upper and lower respiratory tract infections, particularly in children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, often resulting in bronchiolitis or pneumonia (UniProt P0C2Z6). Targeting the prefusion F protein aims to prevent infection by eliciting or providing antibodies that block the fusion process. Current research focuses on stabilizing this protein in its prefusion state to enhance its immunogenicity for use in next-generation vaccines like mRNA-1653 (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04144660).

Other names

hMPV F proteinFusion proteinF glycoproteinhMPV-A FHuman metapneumovirus fusion protein

Neutralization of viral entry by blocking the transition from prefusion to postfusion states, thereby preventing membrane fusion (Battles et al., 2017, Science). Vaccination with stabilized prefusion F protein induces high titers of neutralizing antibodies (Moderna, 2024).