Human parainfluenza virus type 1 (HPIV-1)

Human parainfluenza virus type 1 is an enveloped, non-segmented, single-stranded negative-sense RNA virus that infects the human respiratory tract. Its genome encodes six primary structural proteins, including nucleoprotein (NP), phosphoprotein (P), matrix protein (M), fusion protein (F), hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN), and large polymerase protein (L)[1][2][3][4]. The HN protein mediates attachment to sialic acid-containing receptors on human epithelial cells and also possesses neuraminidase activity, facilitating viral entry and release. HPIV-1 causes respiratory illnesses such as croup and is most prevalent in pediatric populations; it may co-infect with other respiratory pathogens and can lead to severe lower respiratory tract disease in vulnerable individuals[1][3][4]. For therapeutic targeting, the viral fusion (F) and hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) glycoproteins are the principal drug and vaccine targets, not the virus as a whole[4][5].

Other names

HPIV-1Human PIV-1Parainfluenza virus type 1

For drugs and vaccines in development, mechanisms include: Inhibition of viral fusion (F protein inhibitors) and Neutralization of virus (virus-specific antibodies against surface glycoproteins).