Influenza virus internal proteins (Nucleoprotein and Matrix protein 1) (NP/M1)

Internal viral proteins in split virions primarily refer to the nucleoprotein (NP) and matrix protein (M1) of the influenza virus (CDC, 2023). In split-virus vaccine formulations, the viral envelope is disrupted by detergents, exposing these highly conserved internal antigens to the host immune system (Sridhar et al., 2013). While surface glycoproteins like hemagglutinin and neuraminidase are the primary targets for neutralizing antibodies, internal proteins are crucial for inducing cross-reactive T-cell responses (Terajima et al., 2011). These T-cells can recognize and kill infected cells, potentially providing protection against diverse influenza strains (Sridhar et al., 2013). Beyond vaccines, these proteins are also investigated as targets for novel antiviral drugs due to their essential roles in viral RNA packaging and assembly (Kao et al., 2010). Understanding the role of these proteins is vital for improving vaccine efficacy and developing broad-spectrum influenza therapies (Terajima et al., 2011).

Other names

Internal viral proteins in split virionsInternal antigensNucleoproteinMatrix protein 1NPM1Split virion antigens

In vaccines, these proteins serve as antigens to induce T-cell mediated immunity (Sridhar et al., 2013). In antiviral development, drugs like Nucleozin target the nucleoprotein to inhibit viral RNA replication and assembly (Kao et al., 2010).