Antigenic and genetic diversity among the attachment proteins of group A respiratory syncytial viruses that have caused repeat infections in children

J Infect Dis. 1998 Oct;178(4):925-32. doi: 10.1086/515697.

Abstract

Antigenic differences between the two major groups of respiratory syncytial (RS) virus may contribute to reinfections with these viruses. Additional variability occurs within the two major groups; the importance of intra-group variability in reinfections with RS virus has not been defined. Two pairs of group A viruses that had caused sequential infections in children showed G protein amino acid differences of up to 15%. Vaccinia viruses were constructed that expressed the G proteins from 2 of the paired group A isolates. Immunization of cotton rats with the recombinant vaccinia viruses provided equal protection against intranasal challenge by either of the RS viruses. Despite the amino acid differences between the two group A RS virus G proteins, these animal studies did not reveal differences in protection after immunization with the two G proteins. Precise definition of the role of RS virus antigenic variability in the establishment of reinfections in humans will require further investigations in humans.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Antigenic Variation
  • Antigens, Viral / genetics*
  • Antigens, Viral / immunology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Genetic Variation
  • HN Protein*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Recombinant Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Recombinant Proteins / immunology
  • Recurrence
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / immunology
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / virology*
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human / classification
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human / genetics*
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human / immunology
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Sigmodontinae
  • Vaccination
  • Vaccinia virus / genetics
  • Viral Envelope Proteins
  • Viral Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Viral Proteins / genetics*
  • Viral Proteins / immunology

Substances

  • Antigens, Viral
  • HN Protein
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Viral Envelope Proteins
  • Viral Proteins
  • attachment protein G

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AF065405
  • GENBANK/AF065406
  • GENBANK/AF065407
  • GENBANK/AF065408
  • GENBANK/AF065409
  • GENBANK/AF065410