neuraminidase

British  

/ ˌnjʊərəˈmɪnɪdeɪz /

noun

1. any of various enzymes, found esp in viruses, that catalyse the breakdown of glucosides containing neuraminic acid, an amino sugar

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Etymology

Origin of neuraminidase

C20: from neuramin ( ic acid ) (from _neuro- + _amine + _-ic ) + _-ide + _-ase

Example Sentences

Flu viruses are composed of eight segments, including the haemagglutinin protein, or “H” part of the virus, and neuraminidase, or the “N” part.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2025

"It binds and inhibits viral neuraminidase expressed on both free virus particles and virus-infected cells," he said.

From Science Daily • Nov. 19, 2024

Waterfowl harbor the most diversity, with 16 varieties of one surface protein, hemagglutinin, and nine of another, neuraminidase, leading researchers to conclude waterfowl are the main influenza A reservoir.

From Science Magazine • Oct. 26, 2022

Tamiflu, also known by its chemical name oseltamivir, works by blocking a protein on the surface of flu viruses called neuraminidase that enables newly made germs to escape from an infected cell and spread.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 11, 2018

With 18 hemagglutinin varieties and 11 types of neuraminidase - most carried by birds - there are lots of potential combinations.

From Washington Times • Jan. 18, 2018