The ion channel activity of the influenza virus M2 protein affects transport through the Golgi apparatus

The rate of intracellular transport of hemagglutinin (HA) and other membrane glycoproteins is inhibited by higher levels of expression of the M2 ion channel protein of the influenza virus. HA coexpressed with M2 properly folded and trimerizes with the same kinetics as when HA is expressed alone. The Golgi transport delay is due to the M2 protein ion channel activity maintaining pH between the Golgi lumen and the cytoplasm. There is some similarity of effects of M2 ion channel activity and monensin on transport through the Golgi apparatus.