Influenza A Virus Antigen (N/A)

Influenza A virus antigens are viral components recognized by the host immune system. The most important are the surface glycoproteins hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA), responsible for viral entry and exit, respectively, as well as the internal nucleoprotein (NP). HA is the primary target for neutralizing antibodies and is subject to antigenic drift and shift. NA also plays a role but is less immunodominant. NP is a major target for cross-reactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes. These antigens are crucial for vaccine development and antiviral drug design.

Other names

Influenza A Virus HAInfluenza A Virus NAInfluenza A Virus NPHemagglutinin (Influenza A)Neuraminidase (Influenza A)Nucleoprotein (Influenza A)

Neuraminidase inhibitors block viral release (Oseltamivir, Zanamivir). M2 inhibitors block viral uncoating (Amantadine, Rimantadine). Baloxavir inhibits cap-dependent endonuclease, blocking viral replication. Vaccines induce neutralizing antibodies against HA and, to a lesser extent, NA.