Immunization with glycoprotein subunits of respiratory syncytial virus to protect cotton rats against viral infection.

The cotton rat model of respiratory syncytial virus infection was used to study immunization with viral glycoproteins. Animals immunized with the purified attachment protein (G) or the fusion protein (F) developed complete pulmonary resistance, but only partial nasal resistance, to challenge with respiratory syncytial virus. Antibody produced to the G protein neutralized virus, whereas antibody to the F protein neutralized virus and also inhibited fusion of infected cells. There was no evidence of enhanced pulmonary pathology in any immunized group.