Influenza viruses and MAP kinase cascades – Novel targets for an antiviral intervention?

Abstract

Influenza virus infections still pose a major threat to human and animal health worldwide. On one hand, like any other viral pathogen influenza viruses are strictly dependent on their host cell for efficient replication. On the other hand cells respond to infection by mounting an innate immune program to fight the invader. This constant battle between the virus and the host-cell is also reflected on the level of the intracellular signalling events that are induced upon infection. While these signalling pathways are primarily initiated as a cellular defence program, the virus has acquired the capability to exploit some of these activities to support its replication. This review aims to illustrate this principle with regard to the diverse functions of different MAP kinase cascades during influenza virus infection. Some of these cascades act within cell protective pathways while others are required for efficient viral replication and thus, may serve as novel targets for antiviral intervention.