Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prefusion F Protein (RSV preF)

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prefusion F protein is a type I integral membrane fusion glycoprotein found on the surface of the RSV virion. It plays a pivotal role in viral pathogenesis by mediating the fusion of the viral envelope with host cell membranes, enabling viral entry and infection. The F protein exists in two major conformations: a metastable, lollipop-shaped prefusion form (preF) present before virus-cell interaction, and a more stable, crutch-shaped postfusion form (postF) that results after membrane fusion or spontaneous rearrangement. The prefusion conformation exposes epitopes that elicit highly potent neutralizing antibodies; these epitopes are less accessible or absent in the postfusion state, making it an optimal vaccine antigen candidate.

Other names

RSV F protein (prefusion conformation)Prefusion F proteinpreFRSV prefusion F glycoprotein

Vaccines induce neutralizing antibodies that bind to the prefusion F protein, preventing viral entry and infection.