A vital component of influenza A virus' replication machinery is the M2 proton channel. Until recently, M2 was effectively targeted by amantadane-based antivirals, but resistance to these drugs is now so widespread that they have become ineffective. In the first of two related papers, the structure of a 38-residue segment of M2, in complex with rimantadine, is determined by NMR spectroscopy. It is concluded that a rimantadine molecule binds to each monomer at the protein–lipid interface and inhibits the tetrameric channel allosterically.
- Jason R. Schnell
- James J. Chou
