Anti-Avian Influenza A Neuraminidase antibody - N-terminal

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Avian Influenza A Neuraminidase sometimes called N1 or neuraminidase protein is a viral enzyme with significant mechanical functions in the life cycle of influenza viruses. This enzyme a glycoprotein with an approximate mass of 470 kDa is expressed on the surface of the influenza virus particles. Neuraminidase cleaves sialic acid residues from glycoproteins and glycolipids facilitating the release of newly formed viral particles from infected host cells. This action helps the virus to spread efficiently and infect more cells.

Biological function summary

In the influenza virus life cycle the neuraminidase protein helps in preventing viral self-aggregation and assists in viral movement within the host. It is not part of a complex but functions in coordination with the hemagglutinin protein. Both neuraminidase and hemagglutinin are found on the viral envelope and play important roles in the viral infection process with hemagglutinin binding to host cell receptors and neuraminidase aiding in viral egress.

Pathways

Neuraminidase activity is integral to the sialic acid metabolic pathway ensuring the process of viral particle release is efficient. Neuraminidase works alongside hemagglutinin in the infection cycle with the two proteins together maintaining equilibrium necessary for efficient viral replication and dissemination. Additionally neuraminidase is involved in the neuraminidase inhibitor pathway which is targeted for antiviral drug development that block its function to prevent virus spread.

Associated diseases and disorders

Avian influenza neuraminidase is most associated with influenza infections specifically avian influenza affecting both birds and occasionally humans. Antigenic variation in neuraminidase leads to the emergence of new strains complicating vaccine development and treatment strategies. Neuraminidase also plays a role in swine flu pathogenesis interacting with host proteins and hemagglutinin to mediate infection. Efforts to create avian antibodies target neuraminidase aiming to develop therapies that can either prevent or limit the spread of these infections.