The influenza conundrum

Abstract

We live in an age of great erudition with respect to the structure and replication of influenza viruses. We have much insight as to the immunology and pathogenicity of influenza viruses from studies in mice (albeit largely of viruses that are very different from contemporary epidemic strains). Knowledge of the crystalline structure of the two surface glycoproteins, the haemagglutinin and the neuraminidase, has facilitated considerable understanding of the mechanisms of antigenic variability and has allowed the development of neuraminidase inhibitors ? the most effective antivirals ever developed for treatment of the disease.