Low-pH-induced membrane fusion mediated by human metapneumovirus F protein is a rare, strain-dependent phenomenon

Sander Herfst, V Mas, LS Ver, RJ (Rutger) Wierda, Ab Osterhaus, Ron Fouchier, JA Melero

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Abstract

Membrane fusion promoted by human metapneumovirus (HMPV) fusion (F) protein was suggested to require low pH (R. M. Schowalter, S. E. Smith, and R. E. Dutch, J. Virol. 80:10931-10941, 2006). Using prototype F proteins representing the four HMPV genetic lineages, we detected low-pH-dependent fusion only with some lineage A proteins and not with lineage B proteins. A glycine at position 294 was found responsible for the low-pH requirement in lineage A proteins. Only 6% of all HMPV lineage A F sequences have 294G, and none of the lineage B sequences have 294G. Thus, acidic pH is not a general trigger of HMPV F proteins for activity.
Original languageUndefined/Unknown
Pages (from-to)8891-8895
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Virology
Volume82
Issue number17
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2008

Research programs

  • EMC MM-04-27-01

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