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Human Metapneumovirus

Structure of HMPV

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) was first isolated in 2001 in the Netherlands. The HMPV virion is pleomorphic in nature and its size varies from 150 nm to 600 nm. HMPV is a member of the Paramyxoviridae family. The 13-kb nonsegmented negative-strand RNA genome of HMPV contains eight genes that encode nine proteins: the nucleoprotein (N), the phosphoprotein (P), the matrix protein (M), the fusion glycoprotein (F), the putative transcription factor (M2-1), the RNA synthesis regulatory factor (M2-2), the small hydrophobic glycoprotein (SH), the attachment glycoprotein (G), and the viral polymerase (L). The proteins M2.1 and M2.2 are expressed only during the replicative viral cycle. Based on phylogenetic analyses, HMPV can be subdivided into 2 major lineages (A and B) and further subcategorized into A1, A2a, A2b, B1, and B2, with equal prevalence.

Molecular description of HMPV and the role of viral proteins in the evasion of the immune response. Fig1 Molecular description of HMPV and the role of viral proteins in the evasion of the immune response. (Soto, 2018)

The Role of HMPV-Proteins in Immune Response

SH and G glycoprotein are the most important proteins involved in the evasion of the immune response, promoting the inhibition of an antiviral immune response triggered by type-I interferon (IFN) pathways. The SH protein from hRSV has been shown to prevent apoptosis in hRSV-infected cells, as this protein can inhibit TNF-α-induced death and also inhibit NF-κB activation induced by TNF-α. M2-2 protein has been shown to inhibit mitochondrial antiviral signaling (MAVS), thus contributing to HMPV immune evasion, silencing the cellular responses dependent on MAVS. M2-1 presents a critical role in HMPV pathogenesis and viral replication.

Epidemiology

The HMPV has been reported worldwide. HMPV, a ubiquitous virus, is observed in all age groups with a high prevalence in pediatric patients. Virtually 100% of the population has been exposed before the age of 5 years. In addition, rates for hospitalization in elderly patients over 65 years were also significantly higher for hMHV infection compared to influenza virus. Viral genome heterogeneity may also allow for incomplete immunity and repeated infections. HMPV infections can occur throughout the year but are most frequently detected during the winter. And it occurs in seasonal outbreaks that seem to coincide with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season, with the epidemiological peak occurring 1 to 2 months later than that observed for RSV epidemics.

Symptoms

The HMPV is likely that transmission occurs by contact with contaminated secretions, via droplet, aerosol, or fomite vectors. Clinical signs and symptoms of HMPV infection overlap with other common respiratory viruses, and reliable distinctions cannot be made. HMPV is associated with a variety of symptoms and diagnoses localized to the respiratory tract. Children with HMPV infection most commonly exhibit upper respiratory symptoms such as rhinorrhea, cough, wheeze, or fever. Conjunctivitis, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash have been reported but are not frequent. The lower respiratory illnesses most frequently caused by severe HMPV infection are bronchiolitis, pneumonia, croup, and asthma exacerbation.

Prophylaxis and Treatment

Currently, there is no specific antiviral therapy to treat HMPV and no vaccine to prevent HMPV. The majority of humans infected with HMPV can be managed with supportive care. For infants and children who require hospitalization, the primary therapies are supplementary oxygen and intravenous hydration. Ribavirin has been used in severely immunocompromised patients, often in conjunction with RSV-specific immunoglobulin, with some evidence of efficacy.

Based on world-leading technology and antibody platforms, Creative Biolabs is committed to providing a series of antibody services. We can provide antibodies specifically targeting the metapneumovirus or their G protein, M2-1, M2-2 protein, F protein, etc. Our services are built to meet the customer’s projects and tailored demands. If you are interested in our antibodies, please feel free to contact us.

Reference

  1. Soto, J.A.; et al. Human Metapneumovirus: Mechanisms and Molecular Targets Used by the Virus to Avoid the Immune System. Front Immunol. 2018, 9: 2466.

All products and services are intended for Research Use Only, and NOT to be used in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.

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