Structural basis of respiratory syncytial virus neutralization by motavizumab

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious illness in young children. The structure of antibody drug motavizumab in complex with a 24-residue peptide corresponding to its epitope on RSV-fusion glycoprotein suggests why it is more potent than its predecessor, palivizumab (Synagis). Motavizumab is ∼tenfold more potent than its predecessor, palivizumab (Synagis), the FDA-approved monoclonal antibody used to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. The structure of motavizumab in complex with a 24-residue peptide corresponding to its epitope on the RSV fusion (F) glycoprotein reveals the structural basis for this greater potency. Modeling suggests that motavizumab recognizes a different quaternary configuration of the F glycoprotein than that observed in a homologous structure.