Respiratory syncytial virus prefusion F-specific B-cell receptor (RSV Pre-F BCR)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prefusion F-specific B-cell receptors are membrane-bound immunoglobulins on the surface of B lymphocytes that recognize the metastable prefusion conformation of the RSV fusion (F) protein. These receptors are the primary focus of modern structure-based vaccine design, as the prefusion F (Pre-F) protein contains the most potent neutralizing epitopes, such as Site Ø and Site V, which are absent in the postfusion form (McLellan et al., 2013, Science). Naïve B-cell receptors represent the initial repertoire available to respond to a first-time infection or vaccination, while memory B-cell receptors are those that have undergone affinity maturation and provide rapid protection upon re-exposure (Graham, 2017, J Infect Dis). In therapeutic development, these receptors are targeted by vaccines to induce the expansion of B-cell clones that produce high-affinity neutralizing antibodies. Vaccines like Arexvy and Abrysvo utilize stabilized Pre-F antigens to specifically engage these BCRs, triggering signaling cascades that lead to B-cell proliferation and differentiation into plasma cells (FDA, 2023). Monitoring the frequency and diversity of these specific B-cell receptors serves as a critical metric for evaluating vaccine efficacy and the longevity of the immune response (Sastry et al., 2017, Nat Commun). Understanding the interaction between these receptors and viral epitopes is essential for overcoming challenges such as immunosenescence in older adults and the need for maternal immunization to protect infants.

Other names

RSV prefusion F-binding B-cell receptorRSV F-specific B-cell receptorRSV Pre-F specific BCRNaïve RSV-specific B-cell receptorMemory RSV-specific B-cell receptor

Vaccine-mediated activation of B-cell receptors through epitope-specific binding, leading to B-cell differentiation and production of neutralizing antibodies.