Influenza virus structural proteins (IVSP)

The term "Other influenza virion proteins" typically serves as a collective category for structural and functional components of the influenza virus that are not the primary surface glycoproteins, Hemagglutinin and Neuraminidase. This group includes the M2 ion channel, which is essential for viral uncoating; the Matrix protein 1 (M1), which provides structural integrity; and the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex consisting of the Nucleoprotein (NP) and the heterotrimeric RNA polymerase (PA, PB1, and PB2). These proteins are critical for the viral life cycle, including entry, genome replication, and assembly within the host cell. While Hemagglutinin and Neuraminidase are the most common targets for vaccines and antivirals, these internal and structural proteins are increasingly explored as therapeutic targets due to their higher degree of conservation across different influenza strains. Drugs such as adamantanes target the M2 channel, while newer agents like baloxavir marboxil target the polymerase complex to inhibit viral replication.

Other names

Other influenza virion proteinsInfluenza virion componentsMinor influenza viral proteinsInfluenza structural proteins

Inhibition of viral uncoating via M2 ion channel blockade; inhibition of viral RNA polymerase complex (PA, PB1, PB2) to prevent replication; inhibition of nucleoprotein (NP) to prevent genome assembly.