Influenza virus fusion process

The influenza virus fusion process is a critical step in viral entry, allowing the viral genome to access the host cell's machinery for replication. This process is mediated by the viral surface glycoprotein hemagglutinin (HA), a class I fusion protein. HA exists as a homotrimer on the viral envelope and undergoes significant conformational changes to drive membrane fusion. The process involves HA1 binding to sialic acid receptors, low pH triggered conformational change, fusion peptide insertion, and membrane merging to release the genome.

Inhibition of viral entry by blocking receptor binding, preventing conformational change, or interfering with membrane fusion.