1. An enzyme found on the surface of influenza viruses and other pathogens that breaks down sialic acid, allowing the virus to spread from cell to cell.
Usage: technical; medical/virology

Examples

• Neuraminidase inhibitors are antiviral drugs used to treat influenza infections.
• The flu vaccine targets both hemagglutinin and neuraminidase proteins on the virus surface.
• Researchers study neuraminidase mutations to predict how the flu virus might evolve.
• Oseltamivir works by blocking neuraminidase, preventing the virus from infecting new cells.
• The neuraminidase enzyme is essential for the influenza virus to complete its replication cycle.