Influenza virus neuraminidase protein (B Lineage) (NA)

The influenza virus neuraminidase (NA) protein is a key surface glycoprotein found on the envelope of influenza B viruses. It plays a crucial role in the viral life cycle, particularly in the release of new virions from infected cells by cleaving sialic acid residues from host cell glycoproteins and glycolipids. This enzymatic activity prevents self-aggregation of virions and facilitates their spread to infect new cells. NA is targeted by antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir (“Tamiflu”) and zanamivir (“Relenza”), which inhibit its enzymatic activity—thereby blocking viral release from infected cells.

Inhibition of neuraminidase enzymatic activity