Membrane protein (SARS-CoV-2) (M protein)

The Membrane (M) protein of SARS-CoV-2 is the most abundant structural protein of the virus and serves as the central coordinator of viral assembly and morphogenesis. It is a triple-spanning transmembrane protein that interacts with other structural components, including the Spike (S), Envelope (E), and Nucleocapsid (N) proteins, to drive the formation of the viral envelope and the budding of new virions from the host cell's endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC). Beyond its structural role, the M protein contributes to viral pathogenesis by suppressing the host's innate immune response, specifically by inhibiting the induction of type I and III interferons through interference with the MAVS and TBK1 signaling pathways. Recent breakthroughs have identified the M protein as a viable therapeutic target for small-molecule inhibitors, such as JNJ-9676 and CIM-834, which disrupt the critical conformational transition between its 'short' and 'long' states required for viral assembly. These inhibitors demonstrate potent, broad-spectrum antiviral activity against various sarbecoviruses, offering a novel strategy to combat COVID-19 and potentially future coronavirus outbreaks.

Other names

Membrane proteinM proteinMatrix proteinStructural protein M

Inhibition of viral assembly by blocking the conformational switch from the short (Mshort) to the long (Mlong) state, thereby preventing virion maturation and release.