Respiratory syncytial virus transcription elongation factor M2–1 (None)

The M2-1 protein is a critical transcription elongation factor encoded by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It is essential for efficient viral mRNA synthesis, particularly for the production of full-length and polycistronic mRNAs during infection. It acts as a transcription antitermination factor, enabling the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase to synthesize complete mRNAs by preventing premature termination at gene end signals. M2–1 is indispensable for processive transcription but not required for genome replication.

Other names

Envelope-associated 22 kDa proteinVp24Transcription antitermination factor M2-1

Prevents premature termination by masking gene-end signals