Recombinant Influenza A virus Nuclear export protein (NS)

Mediates the nuclear export of encapsidated genomic RNAs (ribonucleoproteins, RNPs). Acts as an adapter between viral RNPs complexes and the nuclear export machinery of the cell. Possesses no intrinsic RNA-binding activity, but includes a C-terminal M1-binding domain. This domain is believed to allow recognition of RNPs bound to the protein M1. Since protein M1 is not available in large quantities before late stages of infection, such an indirect recognition mechanism probably ensures that genomic RNPs are not exported from the host nucleus until sufficient quantities of viral mRNA and progeny genomic RNA have been synthesized. Furthermore, the RNPs enter the host cytoplasm only when associated with the M1 protein that is necessary to guide them to the plasma membrane. May down-regulate viral RNA synthesis when overproduced.