Stopping Cell Death to Fight Severe Flu

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, can sometimes escalate into severe respiratory issues like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), especially during intense infections by the influenza A virus (IAV). Traditional treatments often fall short against this severity. However, an intriguing biological process called necroptosis—a type of programmed cell death—emerges as a crucial player. It intensifies lung damage during severe IAV infections by promoting inflammation, suggesting a potential target for therapeutic intervention.