Respiratory syncytial virus antigens F, N, and M2-1 (RSV F/N/M2-1)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antigens F, N, and M2-1 are key viral proteins targeted in the development of vaccines and therapeutics to combat RSV infection. The Fusion (F) protein is a highly conserved surface glycoprotein that facilitates viral entry by merging the viral and host cell membranes, making it the primary target for neutralizing antibodies (PubMed: 23558174). The Nucleoprotein (N) is responsible for encapsidating the viral RNA genome, which is essential for both replication and transcription processes (UniProt: P03418). The M2-1 protein serves as a transcription antitermination factor, ensuring the production of full-length viral messenger RNAs (UniProt: P04595). Combining these antigens, as seen in viral vector vaccines like MVA-BN-RSV, aims to elicit a comprehensive immune response involving both neutralizing antibodies against the F protein and robust T-cell responses against the internal N and M2-1 proteins (Bavarian Nordic, 2023). This multi-target approach is intended to provide broad protection against RSV-related bronchiolitis and pneumonia, particularly in vulnerable populations such as infants and the elderly.

Other names

RSV Fusion proteinRSV NucleoproteinRSV Transcription antitermination factorRSV FRSV NRSV M2-1RSV F-N-M2-1 complex

Induction of neutralizing antibodies against the F protein to block viral entry and activation of T-cell responses against N and M2-1 proteins to eliminate infected cells (PubMed: 31534008).