Palivizumab is given monthly during the respiratory syncytial virus season to high-risk infants. Its protective effect is mediated by binding to which viral component?

• A Fusion (F) glycoprotein ✓
• B G attachment glycoprotein
• C Nucleocapsid N protein
• D Matrix M2 protein

Explanation

Palivizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against an epitope on the prefusion conformation of the RSV F glycoprotein, preventing fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane. It is prophylactic, not therapeutic, and is reserved for infants with prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia or hemodynamically significant heart disease. The G protein mediates attachment but is not the palivizumab target.

Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 22nd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.