Respiratory Syncytial Virus G Protein Subtype B (RSV G protein subtype B)

The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) G protein is a major surface glycoprotein responsible for viral attachment to host cells. RSV is divided into two main antigenic subtypes, A and B, with the G protein being the most variable among RSV proteins and serving as a key determinant for subgroup classification. The subtype B G protein shares core structural and functional features with subtype A but exhibits distinct genetic sequences and antigenic properties. It mediates attachment of the virus to ciliated epithelial cells in the airways by binding to cell surface molecules such as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) through heparin-binding domains (HBDs) and can bind CX3CR1 on airway epithelial cells.