Amantadine blocks channel activity of the transmembrane segment of the NB protein from influenza B

W. B. Fischer, M. Pitkeathly, M. S.P. Sansom

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

NB is short auxiliary protein with ca. 100 amino acids, encoded in the viral genome of influenza B. It is believed to be similar to M2 from influenza A and Vpu from HIV-1 in that it demonstrates ion channel activity. Channels formed by the protein can be blocked by amantadine. We have synthesized the putative transmembrane segment of NB (IRG S20 IIITICVSL I30 VILIVFGCI A40 KIFI (NB, Lee)). Reconstituted in a lipid bilayer, the peptide shows channel activity. The addition of amantadine leads to dose-dependent loss of channel activity. Channel blocking is reversible. Channel behaviour of the peptide in the presence of amantadine is in accordance with findings for the intact channel. Thus, the synthetic transmembrane peptide captures the ion channel activity of the intact NB protein.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)416-420
Number of pages5
JournalEuropean Biophysics Journal
Volume30
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001

Keywords

  • Conductance measurements
  • Influenza B
  • NB protein
  • Viral ion channels

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