Influenza virus matrix protein (M1/M2)

The Influenza virus matrix protein complex, consisting of the M1 structural protein and the M2 ion channel, is essential for the viral life cycle and represents a key target for therapeutic intervention. M1 provides the internal framework of the virus, facilitating the assembly and budding of new virions while also managing the nuclear export of viral genetic material [1][2]. M2 functions as a proton-selective ion channel that acidifies the interior of the virion during endocytosis, a process required for the dissociation of M1 from the viral ribonucleoproteins and subsequent genome release [3][4]. Because certain regions of these proteins, particularly the M2 extracellular domain (M2e), are highly conserved across various influenza A strains, they are prioritized in the development of universal vaccines and broadly neutralizing antibodies [5][6]. While traditional adamantane-class drugs target the M2 channel pore, their clinical utility has been severely diminished by the rapid emergence of resistant mutations like S31N [7]. Modern therapeutic strategies aim to exploit the stability of these conserved epitopes to provide long-lasting, cross-protective immunity against seasonal and pandemic influenza threats [8].

Other names

Matrix protein 1Matrix protein 2M1 proteinM2 proteinM2eInfluenza A virus matrix proteinM-protein

Inhibition of the M2 ion channel to prevent viral uncoating; induction of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) or complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) via binding to conserved extracellular epitopes.