1. Plural of neuraminidase; enzymes produced by influenza viruses and other pathogens that break down sialic acid on cell surfaces, allowing viral particles to spread and infect new cells.
Usage: technical; biology/medicine; often abbreviated as NA in virology

Examples

• Influenza viruses have two main surface proteins: hemagglutinin and neuraminidases.
• The neuraminidases on the virus help it escape from infected cells.
• Scientists study neuraminidases to develop antiviral drugs that block viral spread.
• Different strains of flu virus produce different types of neuraminidases.
• Neuraminidase inhibitors are a class of antiviral medication used to treat influenza.
• The structure of neuraminidases has been mapped using X-ray crystallography.