Respiratory syncytial virus A (Memphis 37 strain) (RSV A Memphis 37)

Respiratory syncytial virus A (Memphis 37 strain) is a clinical isolate of the human respiratory syncytial virus used extensively as a challenge agent in controlled human infection models (CHIM) (DeVincenzo et al., 2010, PubMed: 20431046). It is not a therapeutic target but rather a live, infectious virus administered to healthy volunteers to test the prophylactic or therapeutic efficacy of new drugs and vaccines (DeVincenzo et al., 2014, PubMed: 25140959). Originally isolated from an infant with bronchiolitis, the Memphis 37 strain has been standardized and produced under regulatory guidelines for clinical research (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00496821). In these studies, the strain induces a mild to moderate upper respiratory tract infection, allowing for the precise measurement of viral kinetics and host immune responses (DeVincenzo et al., 2010, PubMed: 20431046). This model provides a controlled environment to evaluate how interventions like fusion inhibitors or monoclonal antibodies affect viral shedding and clinical symptoms (DeVincenzo et al., 2014, PubMed: 25140959). Consequently, Memphis 37 is a foundational tool in RSV drug development, helping to bridge the gap between animal models and large-scale clinical trials (Bagga et al., 2015, PubMed: 25833113). The strain is characterized by its ability to produce consistent infection rates and symptoms in seronegative or low-antibody adults (DeVincenzo et al., 2010, PubMed: 20431046). Researchers monitor biomarkers such as viral load via quantitative PCR and symptom scores to determine the potency of the investigational product (DeVincenzo et al., 2014, PubMed: 25140959).

Other names

RSV-A M37Memphis 37Human respiratory syncytial virus A Memphis 37RSV M37

Not a therapeutic target; serves as a challenge agent to evaluate drugs that inhibit viral fusion, replication, or entry (DeVincenzo et al., 2014, PubMed: 25140959).