Fusion glycoprotein F0 of the human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a critical fusion glycoprotein that facilitates entry of the virus into host cells by mediating the fusion of the viral and cellular membranes. This class I fusion protein is synthesized as an inactive precursor (F0), which undergoes cleavage to form two disulfide linked subunits, F1 and F2, that are essential for its fusion activity.[1] The RSV F protein exists in two conformations: a metastable prefusion form and a stable postfusion form, with the prefusion form being a major target for neutralizing antibodies due to its role in viral entry. The structural transitions of the F protein during the fusion process are crucial for its function, making it a significant focus in the development of vaccines and antiviral therapies against RSV infections.[2]
^McDonald TP, Sugrue RJ (2007). "The use of two-dimensional SDS-PAGE to analyze the glycan heterogeneity of the respiratory syncytial virus fusion protein". Glycovirology Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology. Vol. 379. Clifton, N.J.: Humana Press. pp. 97–108. doi:10.1007/978-1-59745-393-6_7. ISBN978-1-58829-590-3. PMID17502673.