The biochemical and molecular studies on polyadenylate binding protein (PABPC1) and its role in the influenza A virus life cycle.

This study entails the evaluation of the interplay between the human PABPC1 protein and the influenza A virus nucleoprotein. We found that the virus is dependent on this human protein to survive and thrive in human cells. Both proteins interact in human cells and are retained in the cytoplasm throughout the first 24 hours of viral infection. Interestingly, the silencing of human PABPC1 achieved a significant reduction in virus production in the cells. Overall, PABPC1 protein is a novel antiviral target that can be considered for future anti-influenza drug development.