Sialidase

Sialidase, accession number PF02973 is a widespread enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of terminal acylneuraminic residues from oligosaccharides, glycolipids and glycoproteins. Also called neuraminidase.

It is present as a surface antigen in myxo viruses, hence sialidase inhibitors are used in anti-viral drugs.

Deficiency of this enzyme, an autosomal recessive trait, causes sialidosis; enzyme activity is also lacking in galactosialidosis. The EC nomenclature is exo-α-sialidase.