Matrix protein 1 (Influenza A virus) (M1)

Matrix protein 1 (M1) is a multifunctional structural protein of the Influenza A virus, specifically the H5N1 strain A/Indonesia/05/2005 in this context. It resides beneath the viral lipid bilayer, providing structural integrity to the virion and acting as a bridge between the viral envelope and the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) core (UniProt: P03485). M1 plays a critical role in the viral life cycle, including the nuclear export of vRNPs, viral assembly, and the budding process (PubMed: 19193790). In the context of vaccine development, M1 is frequently utilized as a scaffold for Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) because of its innate ability to self-assemble and drive the formation of particles that mimic the native virus structure without being infectious (PubMed: 17412387). As a vaccine antigen, it aims to elicit cross-reactive immune responses, while as a drug target, it is studied for its potential to disrupt viral replication by interfering with assembly or uncoating (PubMed: 21106756). Clinical research involving this specific strain has primarily focused on VLP-based vaccines to provide protection against highly pathogenic avian influenza (PubMed: 18215211).

Other names

M1 proteinMatrix protein M1Influenza A virus matrix protein 1A/Indonesia/05/2005 M1

Induction of humoral and cellular immune responses via antigenic presentation; inhibition of viral assembly and disassembly (for experimental antivirals)