Induced opening of influenza virus neuraminidase N2 150-loop suggests an important role in inhibitor binding

Sci Rep. 2013:3:1551. doi: 10.1038/srep01551.

Abstract

The recently discovered 150-cavity (formed by loop residues 147-152, N2 numbering) adjacent to the enzymatic active site of group 1 influenza A neuraminidase (NA) has introduced a novel target for the design of next-generation NA inhibitors. However, only group 1 NAs, with the exception of the 2009 pandemic H1N1 NA, possess a 150-cavity, and no 150-cavity has been observed in group 2 NAs. The role of the 150-cavity played in enzymatic activity and inhibitor binding is not well understood. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that oseltamivir carboxylate can induce opening of the rigid closed N2 150-loop and provide a novel mechanism for 150-loop movement using molecular dynamics simulations. Our results provide the structural and biophysical basis of the open form of 150-loop and illustrates that the inherent flexibility and the ligand induced flexibility of the 150-loop should be taken into consideration for future drug design.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Computer Simulation
  • Drug Design
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / enzymology
  • Influenza A Virus, H2N2 Subtype / enzymology*
  • Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype / enzymology
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation
  • Neuraminidase / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Neuraminidase / chemistry*
  • Neuraminidase / genetics
  • Oseltamivir / analogs & derivatives*
  • Oseltamivir / pharmacology
  • Protein Conformation / drug effects

Substances

  • Oseltamivir
  • Neuraminidase
  • oseltamivir carboxylate