# The structure and function of membrane protein in coronavirus infection and its applications in the development of vaccines and therapeutic drugs

## TL;DR

This paper reviews the structure and function of the M protein in coronaviruses and its role in vaccine and drug development.

## Contribution

The paper systematically reviews the M protein's structure, function, and applications in combating coronavirus infections.

## Key findings

- The M protein has three transmembrane domains and plays a role in viral assembly and budding.
- It regulates host innate immune signaling pathways to evade the immune system.
- The M protein has potential applications in vaccine and therapeutic drug development.

## Abstract

Coronaviruses have long posed significant harm to human and animal health, causing a variety of diseases. The membrane (M) protein of coronaviruses is one of the four major structural proteins and a key component of the viral structure, playing an important role in viral assembly, budding, and immunomodulation. In this paper, we systematically reviewe the structural and functional characteristics of the M protein, including its three transmembrane domains, N-terminal glycosylation and C-terminal oligomerization domain. In terms of function, we focus on the mechanistic roles of the M protein in viral envelope formation and the nucleocapsid packaging, as well as the newly discovered immune evasion strategy of regulating host innate immune signaling pathways. In addition, we also summarize the applications of M protein in preventing and controlling coronavirus infection and mitigating its adverse effects.