Compositions and methods useful for producing an immune response in a subject specific for the RSV G protein are described herein. The new methods and compositions described herein are made possible by the development of a new recombinant RSV G protein fragment, which has been engineered) for in vitro production and is antigenically similar to the native RSV G protein. The recombinant RSV G protein fragment is capable of inducing the production of RSV G-specific antibodies when injected into a subject. These antibodies can recognize both RSV A and RSV B strains and inhibit infection of both viruses. Accordingly, the compositions and methods described herein may be useful in protecting subjects from RSV infection via immunization, raising antibodies specific for RSV, which can in turn be used to treat RSV infection.
