Structure and function of the influenza virus M2 ion channel protein
Sakaguchi, T.
Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine 55(10): 2587-2592
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0047-1852 PMID: 9360376 Document Number: 476927
The M2 protein of influenza virus A is an integral membrane protein that is expressed on the infected cell surface and incorporated into virions. This protein is a minor component in virions but plays an essential role in the viral life cycle. The M2 protein, which forms a homotetramer, has H+ ion channel activity that is sensitive to an anti-influenza virus drug, amantadine, and is activated by low pH. When the virus enters cells, the M2 ion channel is activated in endosomes to acidify inside the virion, facilitating viral uncoating. The M2 channel also modifies the pH of the intracellular compartments to protect newly synthesized hemagglutinin from irrelevant low pH-induced conformational change for some influenza viruses.