title: Influenza A viruses: new research developments.
abstract: Influenza A viruses are zoonotic pathogens that continuously circulate and change in several animal hosts, including birds, pigs, horses and humans. The emergence of novel virus strains that are capable of causing human epidemics or pandemics is a serious possibility. Here, we discuss the value of surveillance and characterization of naturally occurring influenza viruses, and review the impact that new developments in the laboratory have had on our understanding of the host tropism and virulence of viruses. We also revise the lessons that have been learnt from the pandemic viruses of the past 100 years.
authors: Department of Microbiology, and Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
authors: Rafael A
authors: RA
authors: Medina
authors: Adolfo
authors: A
authors: García-Sastre
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D006801:Humans; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000821:virology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D009976:Orthomyxoviridae Infections / Q000662:veterinary* / Q000821:virology; D058873:Pandemics; D056189:Viral Tropism; D014774:Virulence; D015047:Zoonoses / Q000821:virology*