Matrix protein 1 (M1) of influenza A virus (M1)

Matrix protein 1 (M1) is a multifunctional structural protein of the influenza A virus that forms a shell beneath the viral lipid envelope, providing structural integrity to the virion. It plays a pivotal role in the viral life cycle, including the nuclear export of viral ribonucleoproteins (vRNPs) and the coordination of viral assembly and budding at the host cell membrane (UniProt P03485). Because M1 is one of the most highly conserved proteins across different influenza A subtypes, its epitopes are major targets for the development of universal influenza vaccines and broadly cross-reactive therapeutic antibodies (PubMed: 31503040). While M1 is internally located in the mature virion, it is transiently exposed during the uncoating process and expressed on the surface of infected cells, making it a viable target for T-cell mediated clearance and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) (PubMed: 25100859). Targeting conserved M1 epitopes aims to provide broad protection against diverse seasonal and pandemic influenza strains that frequently escape immunity directed at the more variable surface glycoproteins like hemagglutinin.

Other names

M1 proteinInfluenza A virus matrix protein 1Matrix protein M1IAV M1

Inhibition of viral assembly and budding, stabilization of viral ribonucleoprotein complexes to prevent nuclear export, and induction of cross-reactive T-cell or antibody-mediated immunity against conserved viral epitopes.