Use of a novel cell-based fusion reporter assay to explore the host range of human respiratory syncytial virus F protein.

ABSTRACT: Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is an important respiratory pathogen primarily affecting infants, young children, transplant recipients and the elderly. The F protein is the only virion envelope protein necessary and sufficient for virus replication and fusion of the viral envelope membrane with the target host cell. During natural infection, HRSV replication is limited to respiratory epithelial cells with disseminated infection rarely, if ever, occurring even in immunocompromised patients. However, in vitro infection of multiple human and non-human cell types other than those of pulmonary tract origin has been reported. To better define host cell surface molecules that mediate viral entry and dissect the factors controlling permissivity for HRSV, we explored the host range of HRS

SUBMITTER: Branigan PJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1190219 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature