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Co-immunoprecipitation of the Mouse Mx1 Protein with the Influenza A Virus Nucleoprotein
09:39

Co-immunoprecipitation of the Mouse Mx1 Protein with the Influenza A Virus Nucleoprotein

Published on: April 21, 2015

Influenza virus M2 protein is an integral membrane protein expressed on the infected-cell surface

R A Lamb, S L Zebedee, C D Richardson

    Cell
    |March 1, 1985
    PubMed

    Insights

    The influenza A virus M2 protein is abundant on infected cell surfaces, potentially serving as a target for immune responses. Its exposed N-terminus is conserved across strains, making it a candidate antigen.

    Area of Science:

    • Virology
    • Immunology
    • Cell Biology

    Background:

    • Influenza A virus possesses three main surface proteins: hemagglutinin (HA), neuraminidase (NA), and the M2 protein.
    • The M2 protein contains a hydrophobic membrane anchor and localizes to cellular membrane fractions with HA and NA.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the surface expression and characteristics of the influenza A virus M2 protein.
    • To determine if the M2 protein could function as an infected-cell surface antigen recognized by the immune system.

    Main Methods:

    • Treatment of infected cells with trypsin.
    • Immunoprecipitation using site-specific antisera.
    • Sequence analysis of M2 protein across influenza A virus strains.

    Main Results:

    • A minimum of 18 N-terminal amino acids of the M2 protein are exposed on the cell surface.
    • Ten N-terminal residues of M2 are conserved across available influenza A virus sequences.
    • Antibodies can detect M2 protein on the surface of infected cells.

    Conclusions:

    • The M2 protein is expressed on the surface of influenza A virus-infected cells.
    • The conserved N-terminus of M2 suggests its potential role as a target for cross-reactive cytotoxic T cells.

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