Viral nucleoprotein (influenza nucleoprotein) (NP)

Viral nucleoprotein (NP) is the major RNA-binding structural protein found in the ribonucleoprotein complex (vRNP) of negative-sense RNA viruses, with orthomyxoviruses (such as influenza) most studied. In influenza A, NP forms homo-oligomers to encapsidate the segmented viral RNA genome and, together with the polymerase proteins (PB2, PB1, and PA), enables transcription and replication. NP also interacts with host cell nuclear import/export machinery to traffic the vRNP into and out of the nucleus. Its highly conserved structure and essential enzymatic/structural roles make it a prime target for antiviral therapeutics. Inhibitors that block NP oligomerization or disrupt its RNA-binding domain can arrest virus replication, showing NP’s relevance as an antiviral target. Additionally, NP plays a role in genomic packaging, viral assembly, and regulation of the transcription/replication equilibrium. NP is implicated in zoonotic transmission and pandemic emergence due to its interplay with other viral proteins and reassortment across host species.

Other names

NucleoproteinInfluenza nucleoproteinNPvNP

Prevention of NP oligomerization; Disruption of NP-RNA binding; Interference with ribonucleoprotein complex formation; Blocking nuclear export of vRNP