Multifunctionality of Matrix Protein in the Replication and Pathogenesis of Newcastle Disease Virus: A Review

Matrix (M) protein, is the most abundant structural protein of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) which occupies the inner layer of the virion envelope. Like in most known paramyxoviruses, the M protein has been well documented as the central organiser of viral morphogenesis, particularly, viral assembly and release. However, this review has compiled other known functions of the NDV M-protein including; impediment of host cell transcription, and regulation of viral RNA synthesis and transcription. In addition, the protein served as a conserved target in most molecular screening of NDV infections. Moreover, with its unique nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling properties, NDV M-protein assists in viral protein synthesis; evasion of host immune responses; and enhances NDV replication, pathogenicity, and virulence.

(BNU)