Abstract

HMPV: THE UNMASKED INTRUDER (HUMAN METAPNEUMOVIRUS)

Dr. D. Vaishnavi*, S. Khalidha Banu, S. Manju, K. Arul Jothi, K. S. Thejashree and M. Abishek

ABSTRACT

Researchers discovered Human metapneumovirus in 2001 as an agent that leads torespiratory issues in people. hMPV ranks as a top source of respiratory infections in the lower airways and creates symptoms that include bronchiolitis along with wheezing and coughing. hMPV poses the greatest risk to new-born babies, young children, seniors and people with weakened immune systems. It belongs to the RNA virus family within Pneumoviridae and Metapneumovirus. The precise role of human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) in these respiratory diseases was not known until researchers identified it in 2001. Scientists do not know how hMPV prevents immune system detection because it resembles other respiratory viruses but not completely. HMPV stays ahead of the immune system by starting a feeble initial immune response that reduces the body's capacity to develop full protection. The virus makes T cells stop working normally while preventing them from starting their immune response. By manipulating immune signalling pathways hMPV disrupts how the body recognizes and protects against infections. Scientists can directly see hRSV immune-blocking proteins, but hMPV uses unknown methods to evade the immune response. Researchers believe that two main surface proteins called G and SH influence how human immune cells respond while the virus completes its life cycle. This study reviews what we know about how hMPV avoids the immune response and compares its tactics against other well-known respiratory infections.

Keywords: Human metapneumovirus - Viral pneumonia – Bronchiolitis - respiratory diseases.