Influenza A Virus Life Cycle

The first step in viral replication and infection (Fig. 17.2) [31] is the interaction between the viral surface HA and sialic acid-containing glycoconjugates on the surface of respiratory tract cells. After binding, the virus is endocytosed, and the low pH of the endosome triggers HA-dependent fusion. The M2 ion channel functions to 

FIGURE 17.2 Life cycle of influenza vims and sites targeted by drugs for viral inhibition. 

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