Respiratory syncytial virus M2-2 protein (M2-2)

The **M2-2 protein** is a non-structural regulatory protein expressed by the M2 gene of both Respiratory syncytial virus and Human metapneumovirus. It governs the switch between **viral mRNA transcription and genome replication**, acting as a negative regulator of RNA synthesis during infection[4][2]. M2-2 interacts with ribosomal and chaperone proteins, modulates viral replication and translation, and is targeted for proteasome-mediated degradation[1]. Deletion of M2-2 attenuates viral replication and is a promising strategy for the development of live attenuated vaccines for RSV and HMPV[2].

Other names

RSV M2-2HMPV M2-2Metapneumovirus M2-2Respiratory syncytial virus gene M2-2 protein

Not applicable; M2-2 is not a direct drug target. However, attenuated viruses lacking M2-2 are being developed as live vaccines, as deletion leads to an attenuated but immunogenic phenotype.