Evidence that an interaction between the respiratory syncytial virus F and G proteins at the distal ends of virus filaments mediates efficient multiple cycle infection

• Main Authors: Huong, Tra Nguyen, Lee, Zhi Qi, Lai, Soak Kuan, Lee, Hsin Yee, Tan, Boon Huan, Sugrue, Richard J.
• Other Authors: Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine)
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2024
• Subjects: Medicine, Health and Life Sciences; Respiratory syncytial virus; Virus envelope
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/177962
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Evidence for a stable interaction between the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) F and G proteins on the surface of virus filaments was provided using antibody immunoprecipitation studies on purified RSV particles, and by the in situ analysis on the surface of RSV-infected cells using the proximity ligation assay. Imaging of the F and G protein distribution on virus filaments suggested that this protein complex was localised at the distal ends of the virus filaments, and suggested that this protein complex played a direct role in mediating efficient localised cell-to-cell virus transmission. G protein expression was required for efficient localised cell-to-cell transmission of RSV in cell monolayers which provided evidence that this protein complex mediates efficient multiple cycle infection. Collectively, these data provide evidence that F and G proteins form a complex on the surface of RSV particles, and that a role for this protein complex in promoting virus transmission is suggested.