Influenza virus remains a major threat to public health. During an infection, the virus produces defective interference particles, smaller versions of the virus that disrupt the parent virus’ harmful activity. Researchers are studying the possibility of using these particles to develop a more sustainable and efficient vaccine.
This piece highlights the degradation of the viral genome as it replicates, as well as the different propagation rates of different variants. Researchers do not know why these rates vary; they are exploring this and other questions about the life cycle of influenza. Notice how movement near this piece provokes a dynamic response of the influenza particles that reflects the dynamic nature of flu’s presence inside the body.