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In Vitro Disassembly of Influenza A Virus Capsids by Gradient Centrifugation
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Influenza A Virus M2 Protein: Roles from Ingress to Egress

Rashid Manzoor1, Manabu Igarashi2,3, Ayato Takada4,5,6

  • 1Division of Global Epidemiology, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan. manzoor@czc.hokudai.ac.jp.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|December 8, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Influenza A virus matrix protein 2 (M2) forms an ion channel crucial for viral replication and host cell interactions. This review details M2 synthesis, function, and its impact on host cells, highlighting its role as an antiviral drug target.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Structural Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Influenza A virus (IAV) matrix protein 2 (M2) is a small, essential ion channel protein.
  • M2 ion channel activity is vital for viral replication and influences host cell homeostasis.
  • M2 is a primary target for antiviral drugs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the synthesis and assembly of the IAV M2 protein into a functional ion channel.
  • To elucidate the roles of M2 ion channel activity in IAV replication.
  • To discuss the pathophysiological impact of M2 on host cells.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on IAV M2 protein.
  • Analysis of biophysical characteristics and structure-function relationships.
  • Examination of M2-host interactions and cellular effects.

Main Results:

  • M2 protein synthesis and tetramerization are critical for ion channel formation.
  • M2 ion channel activity facilitates viral uncoating and replication.
  • M2 influences host cell ion balance and signaling pathways.

Conclusions:

  • The M2 ion channel is a key determinant of IAV pathogenesis.
  • Understanding M2 structure and function is crucial for developing effective anti-influenza therapies.
  • M2's interaction with host cells offers further avenues for therapeutic intervention.
Keywords:
M2 proteininfluenza A viruspathogenicity

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