Sequence Analysis of the Fusion Protein Gene of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Circulating in China from 2003 to 2014

Sci Rep. 2018 Dec 4;8(1):17618. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-35894-3.

Abstract

The human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) fusion (F) protein is important for HRSV infection, but few studies have examined the genetic diversity of the F gene from Chinese samples. In this study, a total of 330 HRSV F sequences collected from different regions of China between 2003 and 2014 were analyzed to understand their genetic characteristics. In addition, these sequences were compared with 1150 HRSV F sequences in Genbank from 18 other countries. In phylogenetic analysis, Chinese HRSV F sequences sorted into a number of clusters containing sequences from China as well as other countries. F sequences from different genotypes (as determined based on the G gene sequences) within a HRSV subgroup could be found in the same clusters in phylogenetic trees generated based on F gene sequences. Amino acid analysis showed that HRSV F sequences from China and other countries were highly conserved. Of interest, F protein sequences from all Chinese samples were completely conserved at the palivizumab binding site, thus predicting the susceptibility of these strains to this neutralizing antibody. In conclusion, HRSV F sequences from China between 2003 and 2014, similar to those from other countries, were highly conserved.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • China
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Genetic Variation*
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Phylogeny
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / virology*
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human / genetics*
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human / isolation & purification
  • Sequence Analysis*
  • Viral Fusion Proteins / genetics*

Substances

  • F protein, human respiratory syncytial virus
  • Viral Fusion Proteins