Human metapneumovirus subtype B fusion protein (hMPV-B F protein)

The Human metapneumovirus subtype B fusion protein (hMPV-B F) is a critical surface glycoprotein that mediates the fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane, a necessary step for viral entry and infection (UniProt, 2024). It is a Class I viral fusion protein that exists in a metastable prefusion conformation before undergoing a dramatic structural rearrangement into a stable postfusion state to drive the membrane merger (Battles et al., 2017). The prefusion form is the primary target for potent neutralizing antibodies because it displays highly conserved and vulnerable epitopes that are lost during the transition to the postfusion state. Clinically, hMPV is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infections, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia, particularly in infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals (NIH, 2023). Therapeutic development focuses on stabilizing the prefusion F protein for use in vaccines, such as the mRNA-1653 candidate, or developing monoclonal antibodies like MPE8 that lock the protein in its prefusion state to prevent infection (Moderna, 2023; Corti et al., 2013). Understanding the structural biology of the hMPV-B F protein is essential for designing effective interventions against this widespread respiratory pathogen.

Other names

hMPV-B Prefusion F proteinHuman metapneumovirus B fusion glycoproteinhMPV F proteinhMPV-B F

Neutralization of viral entry by binding to and stabilizing the prefusion conformation of the F protein, preventing the conformational shift to the postfusion state required for membrane fusion.