neuraminidase

neuraminidase /neu·ra·min·i·dase/ (-ah-min´i-das) an enzyme of the surface coat of myxoviruses that destroys the neuraminic acid of the cell surface during attachment, thereby preventing hemagglutination.

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neu·ra·min·i·dase (nr-mn-ds, -dz)

n.

An enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of terminal acylneuraminic residues from oligosaccharides, glycoproteins, and glycolipids. It is present as a surface antigen in myxoviruses. Also called sialidase.

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neuraminidase

1. an enzyme that cleaves the terminal N-acetylneuraminic acid from mucoproteins.

2. a structural component occurring as a spike in the envelope of ortho- and paramyxoviruses.