influenza virion neuraminidase influenza neuraminidase A type of neuraminidase found on the surface of influenza viruses that enables the virus to be released from the host cell. MC, 20101202: When influenza virus replicates, it attaches to the cell surface using hemagglutinin, a molecule found on the surface of the virus which binds to sialic acid groups. Sialic acids are found on various glycoproteins at the host cell surface, and the virus exploits these groups to bind the host cell. In order for the virus to be released from the cell, neuraminidase must enzymatically cleave the sialic acid groups from host glycoproteins. As an integral part of influenza replication, blocking the synthesis of neuraminidase with neuraminidase inhibitors is an effective way to treat influenza. PERSON: Melanie Courtot WEB: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viral_neuraminidase