Scientists finding antibodies targeting little-researched protein on influenza virus

 https://www.livescience.com/health/viruses-infections-disease/scientists-reveal-rare-antibodies-that-target-dark-side-of-flu-virus 

Scientists finding antibodies targeting little-researched protein on influenza virus

Scientists are trying to find a better way to create a flu vaccine — potentially one that wouldn’t constantly require a seasonal update. Currently, the viruses target a protein called hemagglutinin, which is an envelope protein that helps the virus perform receptor-mediated endocytosis. However, this protein mutates rapidly, which is part of the reason why we have a new vaccine each year. 

The viruses also have a protein called neuraminidase, which is a mushroom-shaped protein whose underside has been relatively unexplored by scientists. This protein doesn’t mutate as fast, and is fairly conserved among different flu strains. Some antivirales currently exist that inhibit the protein, which helps flu find its preferred entry site on cells. Antibodies that connect to this ‘dark side’ could be explored and targeted by future drugs or vaccines. 

-LL