Conservation of G-Protein Epitopes in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (Group A) Despite Broad Genetic Diversity: Is Antibody Selection Involved in Virus Evolution?

• DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00467-15
• Publication Date: 2015-05-21T02:41:33Z
• Authors: Alfonsina Trento; Leyda Ábrego; Rosa Rodriguez-Fe...; Maria Isabel Gonz...; Felipe González-M...; Adriana Delfraro; Juan M. Pascale; Juan Arbiza; José A. Melero
• Keywords: Original antigenic sin

Worldwide G-glycoprotein phylogeny of human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) group A sequences revealed diversification in major clades and genotypes over more than 50 years recorded history. Multiple cocirculated during prolonged periods time, but recent dominance the GA2 genotype was noticed several studies, it is highlighted here with from viruses circulating recently Spain Panama. Reactivity monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that recognize strain-variable epitopes G glycoprotein failed to correlate antibody reactivity. Additionally, no clear correlation found between changes predicted sites positive selection, despite both traits being associated C-terminal third glycoprotein. Hence, our data do not lend support proposed antibody-driven selection variants as a determinant hRSV evolution. Other alternative mechanisms are considered account for high degree G-protein variability.