Targeting RSV with Vaccines and Small Molecule Drugs
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most significant cause of pediatric respiratory infections. Palivizumab (Synagis®), a humanized monoclonal antibody, has been used successfully for a number of years to prevent severe RSV disease in at-risk infants. However, despite intense
efforts, there is no approved vaccine or small molecule drug for RSV. As an enveloped virus, RSV must fuse its envelope with the host cell membrane, which is accomplished through the actions of the fusion (F) glycoprotein, with attachment help from the G glycoprotein. Because of their integral
role in initiation of infection and their accessibility outside the lipid bilayer, these proteins have been popular targets in the discovery and development of antiviral compounds and vaccines against RSV. This review examines advances in the development of antiviral compounds and vaccine
candidates.
Keywords: Antiviral; MedImmune; Palivizumab; antiviral drug; attachment glycoprotein; cystic fibrosis; fusion glycoprotein; influenza virus; malnutrition; palivizumab; premature birth; respiratory syncytial virus; therapeutic; vaccine
Document Type: Research Article
Publication date: 01 April 2012
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