The Need: Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a prevalent pathogen causing acute respiratory tract disease in individuals of all ages, especially infants, children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Despite its global prevalence, there are currently no therapeutics or vaccines available for hMPV. The need for an effective solution to combat hMPV infections is critical to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this pathogen.

The Technology: The described technology presents a novel approach to induce an immune response to human metapneumovirus (hMPV) by utilizing compositions containing nucleic acid molecules encoding a mutated integrin-binding motif (RGD motif) in the fusion (F) protein of hMPV. The mutation of the RGD motif alters the virus's ability to bind to integrin receptors, thus preventing fusion and viral entry, while still eliciting a robust immune response.

Commercial Applications:

1. Vaccine Development: The technology offers a promising avenue for the development of vaccines against hMPV, helping to provide protection to vulnerable populations such as infants, children, and the elderly.
2. Pharmaceutical Compositions: The compositions can be formulated into pharmaceutical products for inducing protective immune responses in individuals at risk of hMPV infections.
3. Prevention and Control: The technology can be utilized in immunization campaigns to prevent hMPV outbreaks and reduce the burden of respiratory infections in hospitals, schools, and other vulnerable settings.

Benefits/Advantages:

1. Effective Immune Response: The technology induces a strong immune response, including the production of neutralizing antibodies and T cell responses, protecting individuals from hMPV infections.
2. Attenuated Virulence: The mutated RGD motif leads to an attenuated, avirulent hMPV strain, ensuring that the vaccine or therapeutic intervention does not induce clinical symptoms of hMPV infection.
3. Versatile Administration: The compositions can be administered through various routes, including oral, subcutaneous, or intranasal, providing flexibility in vaccination strategies.
4. Potential for Subsequent Dosing: The technology allows for subsequent doses at appropriate intervals, strengthening and prolonging the protective immune response against hMPV.
5. Unique Mechanism of Action: The technology targets the fusion protein of hMPV independently of the attachment glycoprotein, making it distinct from other approaches and potentially more effective in preventing hMPV entry and replication.