Neuraminidase protein of Influenza A virus subtype N2 (NA (or N2 neuraminidase))

The **neuraminidase protein of Influenza A virus subtype N2** is a surface glycoprotein that forms a homotetrameric, mushroom-shaped structure projecting from the viral envelope. It catalyzes the cleavage of terminal sialic acid residues (N-acetylneuraminic acid) from glycoproteins and glycolipids on the surface of infected cells, facilitating the release and spread of newly formed viral particles. NA is essential for efficient viral replication and pathogenesis and is structurally classified as an exosialidase (EC 3.2.1.18), with a head domain containing the active site and a stalk domain anchoring it to the viral membrane. NA is also a major target for antiviral drugs, particularly neuraminidase inhibitors such as oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir, and laninamivir, which block its enzymatic activity to limit viral dissemination. N2 neuraminidase is one of the two major antigenic determinants (along with hemagglutinin) used to subtype influenza A viruses (e.g., H3N2), and it plays a key role in defining viral tropism and fitness[1][2][3][5].

Other names

Neuraminidase (Influenza A N2)NA (N2)Sialidase (N2)Influenza A virus N2 neuraminidase

Competitive inhibition of neuraminidase catalytic site; Prevention of sialic acid cleavage, impairing release of progeny virions from host cells