M2 Proton Channel Protein (M2)

The M2 proton channel protein is an integral membrane protein found in the viral envelope of the influenza A virus. It functions as a pH-activated, proton-selective ion channel essential for viral replication and infectivity. It transports protons from acidic endosomes into the interior of the virion after endocytosis, leading to dissociation of matrix proteins from ribonucleoprotein complexes, enabling release of viral RNA into host cell cytoplasm for replication. The M2 channel is targeted by antiviral drugs such as amantadine and rimantadine that block its activity, however, resistance mutations are now widespread among circulating influenza strains.

Other names

Matrix Protein 2Matrix-2

M2 channel inhibitors block the proton channel, preventing proton influx into the virion and inhibiting viral uncoating.