Identified structure of the viral protein M2
The M2 is responsible for the pathogenic strain of influenza virus A and detailed knowledge of its structure will create new drugs.
Scholars from three different research groups, Brigham Young University, Florida University and Iowa State University have created the models of three-dimensional structure of the M2 protein of influenza A. This protein allows the virus to stop the action of the endosomes, vesicles can degrade the virus, which facilitated the entry into the cell, where it will be the replication of the genome.
Researchers to identify the structure of the M2 used the NMR, a technique of nuclear magnetic resonance. The professor of chemistry at Iowa State University said that the amino acid histidine, the M2 protein, binds two hydrogen ions and releases them outside the cell by acting as a conduit.
A mutation of this protein in recent years has made it unnecessary to use two of the most common anti-influenza drugs, amantadine and rimantadine, which is why the study will help develop more effective drugs. In fact, David Busath, Brigham Young University, said: “Now, with the knowledge of atomic structure of the M2 channel, it will be easier to select ideal candidates for blocking this protein and reduce the pathogenic potential of influenza virus.” The findings are published in Science.
