Influenza A H1N1 M2 Products

Influenza A virus is an enveloped virus encoding 10 polypeptides. RNA segment 7 encodes for two proteins: M1 (matrix 1) and M2 (matrix 2). M1 protein is encoded by an mRNA that is colinear, while M2 protein is synthesized from spliced mRNA. M2 protein is a transmembrane protein composed of three Domains: 1) 24 residues representing the N-terminal region, 2) 19 hydro-phobic residues that serve as a membrane anchor, and 3) 54 residues near the C-terminal in the cytoplasmic domain. The M2 protein has been found to play a role in Influenza replication and assembly of virion particles. Further experimentation has demonstrated that this protein is an acid-activated ion channel for virus replication.