Analysis of Antigenic Cross-Reactivity Between Subgroup C Avian Pneumovirus and Human Metapneumovirus by Using Recombinant Fusion Proteins

Abstract

Avian pneumovirus subgroup C (APV/C) has recently been reported to be more closely related to human metapneumovirus (hMPV) as determined by sequence analysis. To examine the antigenic relationship between APV/C and hMPV, the APV/C fusion (F) gene was cloned and expressed as an uncleaved glycoprotein in a baculovirus system. The reactivity of the APV/C F protein with antibodies against APV subgroups A, B, C, and hMPV was examined by Western blot analysis. The results showed that the expressed APV/C F protein was not only recognized by APV/C-specific antibodies but also by antibodies raised against hMPV. Previously expressed recombinant hMPV F protein also reacted with APV/C-specific antibodies, suggesting that there was significant antigenic cross-reactivity and a potential evolutionary relationship between hMPV and APV/C. Interestingly, the recombinant F proteins from APV/C and hMPV were not recognized by polyclonal antibodies specific to APV subgroups A and B.

Isolation and characterization of a subtype C avian metapneumovirus circulating in Muscovy ducks in China

“…The fixed cells were then incubated with a monoclonal antibody (MAB80123, Temecula, MILLIPORE) against the F protein of hMPV as described by Luo et al [10].…”

“…When CPE was evident, the cells infected or mock-infected with S-01 or S-01/ anti-serum were detected by IFA, as described by Luo et al [10].…”

“…aMPV was first reported in South Africa in 1980 [3], was subsequently reported in France [4] and the United Kingdom [5] and was recently described worldwide [6][7][8][9]. Based on the antigenicity and genetic characterization, aMPV was further categorized into four subtypes, designated A, B, C and D [10,11]. aMPV is an enveloped, single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus.…”

Isolation and characterization of a subtype C avian metapneumovirus circulating in Muscovy ducks in China

“…There was no antibody available for the subgroup C aMPV, but our amino acid sequencing revealed that the F protein of S-01 was identical to that of aMPV-C and hMPV by 98.5-99.1% and 81.6-81.8%, respectively. Because Luo et al used recombinant fusion protein [10] to confirm that there was high antigenic cross-reactivity between aMPV-C and hMPV, we used an antibody against the F protein of hMPV for the immunofluorescence assay. The results show that the antigen of S-01 could effectively bind to the antibody in Vero cells (Figure 3D), whereas no fluorescence was observed in mock-infected Vero cells (Figure 3C).…”

“…aMPV was first reported in South Africa in 1980 [3], was subsequently reported in France [4] and the United Kingdom [5] and was recently described worldwide [6]–[9]. Based on the antigenicity and genetic characterization, aMPV was further categorized into four subtypes, designated A, B, C and D [10],[11]. aMPV is an enveloped, single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus.…”