Interferon antagonists of influenza viruses

Conclusions: Although our understanding on how influenza and Thogoto viruses inhibit the IFN response has greatly increased in the last years, there are still many interesting unanswered questions in this field. It will be important to determine the precise mechanisms of action of the NS1 and ML proteins of these viruses, as well as their contribution to host and tissue tropism and to virulence. Research in this area also requires a better knowledge on the cell processes that result in activation of the IFN system and in the induction of the IFN-mediated antiviral state. In addition, development of vaccines and antivirals against influenza virus might be possible by targeting the NS1 protein. If successful, these approaches would also represent a proof-of-concept that can be applied to many other viruses known to contain IFN antagonist genes.