Controlling influenza virus replication by inhibiting its proton channel

Abstract

Influenza A and viruses encode minimalistic proton-selective ion channels known as A/M2 and BM2, respectively. The A/M2 channel is the target of the antiviral drug, amantadine. The structural and mechanistic aspects of proton conductance of the viral ion channels are described and the review makes a case for the development of more effective antivirals.