Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus membrane protein (M protein)

The Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) membrane protein, commonly referred to as the M protein, is the most abundant structural component of the viral envelope (UniProt: P59596). It is a type III transmembrane glycoprotein that plays a pivotal role in organizing viral assembly by interacting with other structural proteins, including the spike (S), envelope (E), and nucleocapsid (N) proteins (PubMed: 15831954). The M protein is essential for determining the shape of the virion and facilitating the budding process at the endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) (PubMed: 17044321). Beyond its structural role, the M protein has been implicated in modulating the host immune response, specifically by antagonizing the production of type I interferons (PubMed: 17360742). While most therapeutic efforts have focused on the spike protein, the M protein is considered a potential target for antiviral intervention due to its conserved nature and critical role in the viral life cycle (PubMed: 32555521). Potential inhibitors, including certain flavonoids and repurposed compounds, are being investigated for their ability to disrupt M protein-mediated assembly (PubMed: 33034336).

Other names

Matrix proteinE1 glycoproteinMembrane glycoproteinSARS-CoV M

Inhibition of viral assembly and budding by disrupting protein-protein interactions or membrane integrity.