Molecular Dynamic Investigation of H5N1 Influenza Virus Dual H274Y-I222K Mutation Resistance to Peramivir

In light of the rapid rise of an influenza pandemic, the constant genetic mutations of H5N1 influenza viruses pose a threat. Mutations at the sialic site are often responsible for multiple drug resistance. To design effective new inhibitors, it is necessary to undertake research into the mechanism of resistance of influenza viruses and their rapid mutations. The molecular dynamic simulation technique has been an instrumental tool in understanding how proteins function from an atomic perspective. A thorough investigation has not been conducted using molecular dynamics to examine the impact of these mutations (I222K, H274Y, and H274Y-I222K) on Peramivir. This study investigates the effects of I222K, H274Y, H274Y-I222K substitution on the neuraminidase-Peramivir complex and identifies responsible residues for complex conformations. The mutations caused distorted Peramivir orientation in the enzyme active site, which affected the inhibitors binding. In the presence of various mutations, interaction between protein and ligand became less thermodynamically favorable. We observed the following trend in binding free energy difference: WT<I222<H274Y<H274Y-I222K. As a result of the thermodynamic instability of the mutant complexes, Peramivirs potency is reduced due to impaired binding interactions. Wild type complex displays thermodynamic stability and strong protein-ligand interactions due to their high total energy contributions and low residue flexibility. Based on the energy decomposition analysis, Arg117, Arg224, and Arg292 contributed the largest residual energy for the binding of Peramivir to wild type and mutants. These residues are thought to play a key role in the formation of the binding pocket between Peramivir and neuraminidase. This study provides a basis for investigating the effects of other mutations on Peramivirs efficacy against the H5N1 virus.