| Fusion glycoprotein F0 | |
| Organism: | Human respiratory syncytial virus B (strain B1) |
| Taxid: | 79692 |
| Symbol: | F |
| Entrezgene: | 1489825 |
| Refseqmrna: | NC_001781.1 |
| Refseqprotein: | NP_056863.1 |
| Uniprot: | O36634 |
| Chromosome: | Genomic |
| Entrezchromosome: | NC_001781.1 |
| Genloc Start: | 5367 |
| Genloc End: | 7836 |
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]