Final answer:
Neuraminidase inhibitors such as Oseltamivir and Zanamivir are therapeutically relevant examples of influenza protein binders that target the neuraminidase protein on influenza viruses, predominantly affecting Influenza A and B to reduce illness severity.
Step-by-step explanation:
A therapeutically relevant example of an influenza protein binder would be neuraminidase inhibitors. These inhibitors work by attaching to the neuraminidase protein on the surface of influenza viruses, specifically Influenza A and Influenza B, and preventing them from escaping infected cells and spreading to infect new cells. This action effectively reduces the virus's ability to reproduce and spread, alleviating illness symptoms and lessening the duration of the infection. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are well-known neuraminidase inhibitors prescribed for the treatment and sometimes the prevention of influenza.
Neuraminidase is a crucial protein for the influenza virus and represents the 'N' in the H1N1 ation of influenza strains, with 'H' standing for hemaglutinin. Both H and N are surface proteins of the influenza virus that are key targets for therapeutic agents.