influenza A virus M2 protein

Introduction

Influenza A virus surface protein (also see influenza A virus neuraminidase & hemagglutinin). The M2 protein has a low rate of mutation, but is not as immunogenic as neuraminidase & hemagglutinin. Thus current (1999) vaccines are directed against these other two proteins neuraminidase & hemagglutinin. Fusion proteins with M2, such as hepatitis B core protein-M2 fusion protein may enhance immunogenicity & offer a new strategy for influenza A vaccines.

More general terms

• viral protein

Additional terms

• influenza A virus hemagglutinin
• influenza A virus neuraminidase