[Significance of paramyxovirinae protein F in physiopathology and immunity].

The Paramyxovirinae sub-family contains viruses of major importance for humans (measles and mumps viruses) and animals (Newcastle disease virus, canine distemper virus, rinderpest virus) but also zoonotic viruses (Hendra and Nipah viruses). Newcastle disease virus, a Rubulavirus, which is specific of birds, can be used as a model for understanding the pathogenicity mechanisms of Paramyxovirinae and for the study of vaccination against the diseases they cause. The F protein of pathogenic strains of Newcastle disease virus have a polybasic cleavage site (K/R-Q-K/R-R) which is specific of furine, a cellular enzyme present in all cellular types, what allows viral multiplication in all cells of the host. Such cleavage site is also present in the F protein of measles and mumps viruses. Antibodies against the F protein are the most effective in the immune response against Newcastle disease virus. The major role played by the F protein in the immunity against Paramyxovirinae arises also from the research performed on other animal (rinderpest and canine distemper viruses) and human (measles virus) viruses. Recombinant and sub-unit vaccines as well as DNA vaccination based on the expression of viral glycoproteins allow effective vaccination of chickens against Newcastle disease. The use of a similar approach could lead to the development of new vaccines against measles or mumps and if necessary to produce vaccines against zoonotic Paramyxovirinae.