Grace Kim, Dongyung Kim
The R292K mutation in Influenza Neuraminidase (NA) significantly hinders the efficacy of clinical inhibitors, yet the physical basis of this resistance remains under-explored. In this study, we introduce a novel computational framework integrating Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations with a geometric Intersection Surface Area (ISA) model. Our results demonstrate that the R292K mutation induces a structural destabilization characterized by a ∼11.5 kcal/mol increase in binding free energy and a 15-21% reduction in intersection binding volume ([Formula: see text]). Notably, Zanamivir (Ligand D) exhibited the highest geometric sensitivity with a 27.2% reduction in [Formula: see text], providing a structural rationale for its observed clinical susceptibility patterns. This integrated geometric-MD approach offers an indicative screening framework for evaluating next-generation neuraminidase inhibitors against emerging viral mutants.