Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is an important cause of acute respiratory tract infections, particularly among children, older adults and immunocompromised individuals and continues to pose a significant global public health challenge due to the absence of approved vaccines or virus-specific antiviral therapies. This review summarizes recent advances in HMPV biology, molecular diagnostics, vaccine development and global preparedness strategies for future respiratory virus outbreaks. Emerging diagnostic technologies, including multiplex molecular assays, next-generation sequencing, CRISPR-based diagnostics, biosensors and artificial intelligence, have significantly improved the speed and accuracy of HMPV detection. Advances in precision vaccinology, mRNA vaccine platforms and structure-based vaccine design have accelerated the development of promising vaccine candidates, while multi-omics technologies, genomic surveillance, digital epidemiology and the One Health approach have strengthened outbreak prediction and public health preparedness. Despite these advances, major challenges remain, including the lack of licensed vaccines, limited understanding of protective immunity and inadequate global surveillance. Integrating precision diagnostics, innovative vaccine technologies, artificial intelligence and international surveillance systems offers a promising strategy to reduce the burden of HMPV and improve preparedness for future respiratory virus outbreaks through continued multidisciplinary research and global collaboration.
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