Enzymology of influenza virus sialidase

Influenza virus sialidase plays a key role in the infectious lifecycle of the virus. This chapter provides a discussion of the tools, such as linear free energy relationships and kinetic isotope effects, used in exploring enzyme mechanisms and an introduction to mechanistic aspects, including transition state analysis and whether the intermediate that follows the glycosylation TS, in retaining glycosidases, is an oxacarbenium ion or is covalently linked to the enzyme. A general discussion of microbial sialidase catalysis is provided, as well as an overview of the catalytic mechanism of influenza virus sialidases.