Influenza A virus matrix protein 2 ectodomain (M2e)

The Influenza A virus matrix protein 2 (M2) is a homotetrameric integral membrane protein that acts as a proton-selective ion channel (UniProt P06821). The M2 ectodomain (M2e) refers to the N-terminal 24 amino acids that reside on the exterior of the viral particle and the surface of infected host cells (Schotsaert et al., 2016). Unlike the highly variable hemagglutinin and neuraminidase proteins, M2e is remarkably conserved among human Influenza A virus strains, which has led to its investigation as a candidate for universal influenza vaccines (Fiers et al., 2004). While the transmembrane domain of M2 is the target for adamantane antivirals, M2e is specifically targeted by monoclonal antibodies like TCN-032 and various vaccine platforms (Ramos et al., 2015). These M2e-targeted therapies generally do not prevent infection but rather limit viral replication and disease severity by facilitating the clearance of infected cells through antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC).

Other names

M2 ectodomainMatrix protein 2 extracellular domainM2e peptideInfluenza A M2e

Induction of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) against infected cells; inhibition of viral progeny release (Schotsaert et al., 2016; Ramos et al., 2015).