Influenza viruses enter cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis, a kind of engulfment. Following internalization, the vesicle is with an endosome. Endosomes are acidic, and this low pH activates the M2 ion channel. This allows ions to enter the virion, leading to a conformational change in the HA protein. The virus is internalized into clathrin-coated, membrane-bound vesicles. [...]

Influenza virus uses the caps of eukaryotic mRNAs instead of synthesizing its own. This was concluded by a series of experiments: Actinomycin D inhibits DNA-dependent RNA transcription. Influenza virus transcription is inhbited by Actinomycin D. As a result, it was proposed than nucleus plays a role in viral replication. α-amantin is an inhibitor of DNA-dependent [...]

Influenza has two modes of transmission: person-to-person and by respiratory droplets. Classic flu-like symptoms include: Fever Malaise Myalgia (muscular pain) Sore throat Nonproductive cough

H5N1, an influenza, binds well onto to &alpha2-3 sialic acid. It contains RNA segments that help produce disease. For example, one RNA segment turns off a component of the immune system. H5 is cleaved by the protease furin, which is present in all cells. Therefore, H5N1 is a pantropic virus able to infect all tissues [...]

Influenza virus vaccines: Formalin-inactivated whole virus Chemically disrupted virus (subvirion) Purified antigens Influenza properties: Eight RNA segments Antigenic shift and drift Respiratory transmission Frequent childhood and adult disease It has two binding proteins: a hemagglutinin (H) and a neuramidinase (N). These, combined with the location and strain of the virus, are used in nomenclature: A/Ann [...]