Influenza A virus replication (IAV replication) (IAV replication)

Influenza A virus replication is the multi-step process by which the virus infects host cells and produces progeny. It begins with hemagglutinin-mediated attachment to sialic acid receptors, followed by endocytosis and M2-mediated uncoating (Source: CDC, 2023). The viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase then replicates the genome within the host nucleus. Finally, neuraminidase facilitates the release of new virions by cleaving sialic acid (Source: Nature Reviews Microbiology, 2018). This cycle is the primary driver of influenza infection and is the focus of antiviral therapy. Because "Influenza A virus replication" describes a biological process rather than a single molecule, it is considered a pathway target rather than a specific molecular target (Source: StatPearls, 2024).

Other names

IAV life cycleInfluenza A viral cycleViral replication cycle

Drugs targeting this process inhibit specific viral proteins: Neuraminidase inhibitors (e.g., Oseltamivir) block viral release; M2 ion channel blockers (e.g., Amantadine) prevent uncoating; and polymerase inhibitors (e.g., Baloxavir marboxil) disrupt viral mRNA synthesis (Source: PubMed, PMID: 30304318).