Influenza A: Mechanism of Infection and Development of M2 Ion Channel Inhibitors

Abstract

Influenza viral infection causes several hospitalizations and claims the lives of many people each year. The threat of epidemic and pandemic are more pressing than ever with newly mutated strains developing every year. Understanding the mechanism of infection of influenza can help identify new potential drug targets and help progress the development of antivirals. Currently there are two classes of FDA approved drugs, neuraminidase inhibitors and M2 ion channel inhibitors, to combat influenza infection. Unfortunately, viral resistance to M2 ion channel blockers has caused them to stop being used for treatment. This paper focuses on understanding influenzas ability to mutate and it mechanism of infection to develop new M2 ion channel blockers.