How does Oseltamivir work?

Oseltamivir works by inhibiting the neuraminidase enzyme, which is crucial for the replication and spread of the influenza virus. Neuraminidase is an enzyme found on the surface of the influenza virus that cleaves sialic acid residues from glycoproteins and glycolipids, allowing newly formed virions to be released from infected host cells. By blocking this enzyme, Oseltamivir effectively prevents the release of new viral particles, limiting the ability of the virus to spread to other cells. This mechanism of action is specific to influenza viruses, making Oseltamivir an effective antiviral treatment for influenza infections. Other options refer to mechanisms that are not relevant to Oseltamivir; for example, inhibiting protein synthesis or RNA polymerase pertains to different classes of antiviral agents used for other types of viruses.