Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

The Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an enveloped, negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumoviridae family [1]. It serves as a major pathogen responsible for lower respiratory tract infections, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia, primarily affecting infants, the immunocompromised, and the elderly [2]. The RSV virion is composed of a nucleocapsid surrounded by a lipid envelope containing three surface glycoproteins: the attachment protein (G), the fusion protein (F), and the small hydrophobic protein (SH) [3]. Therapeutic strategies primarily target the F protein, which is essential for viral entry and exists in two conformations, prefusion and postfusion; the prefusion form is the most potent target for neutralizing antibodies [4]. Current clinical interventions include monoclonal antibodies like palivizumab and nirsevimab for prophylaxis, as well as recently approved vaccines that elicit immune responses against the prefusion F protein [5]. Additionally, small molecule antivirals like ribavirin are used in specific clinical settings to inhibit viral replication by interfering with RNA synthesis [6]. Sources: [1] ICTV (International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses). [2] CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). [3] Nature Reviews Microbiology (RSV biology). [4] Science (RSV F protein structure). [5] FDA (Drug/Vaccine approvals). [6] Mayo Clinic (Ribavirin use).

Other names

Respiratory syncytial virus virionHRSVOrthopneumovirus resuviraleRespiratory syncytial virus

Fusion inhibition (targeting the F protein to prevent viral-host membrane fusion), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibition (interfering with viral genome replication), and active immunization (inducing neutralizing antibodies against surface glycoproteins).