Construction of a convenient system for easily screening inhibitors of mutated influenza virus neuraminidases

• Neuraminidase (NA) is a surface glycoprotein produced by the influenza virus.
• Yeasts displaying wild-type and mutated NAs were constructed.
• Biochemical properties of the displayed NAs were similar to those on the native virus.
• Direct and rapid assays of NA enzyme activity were carried out.
• This system can be developed for screening chemical libraries for novel inhibitors.

Neuraminidase (NA) is a surface glycoprotein produced by the influenza virus. Specific NA mutations that confer resistance to anti-viral drugs have been reported. The aim of this study was to demonstrate quick preparation of the mutated NAs using the yeast surface display and its applicability for screening inhibitors. Plasmids encoding the head domain of wild-type and drug-resistant NAs were constructed and introduced into yeast, and these were successfully displayed on the yeast surface, with biochemical properties similar to the native virus NAs. This system using mutated NAs-displaying yeast provides an efficient and convenient tool for screening novel inhibitors against the drug-resistant influenza virus.