In a recent article, scientist at the University of Texas in Austin have discovered that a certain protein produced by the influenza A virus helps it withstand on of our bodies natural defense mechanisms. When a influenza virus infects a human cell, it uses some of the host's cellular machinery to make copies of itself, or replicate. researchers have now discovered that the protein produced by human body cells, DDX21, blocks it replication process. Also, they found that a protein created by the virus, NS1, in turns block DDX21 and promotes viral replication. Robert Krug, a professor in the College of Natural Science at the University of Texas at Austin stated that " if you could figure of how to stop the NS1 protein from binding the DDX21, you can stop the virus cold." Krug also believes that by stopping the NS1 protein, you are stopping more important roles for the virus, such as host's synthesis of interferon.I believe this is a great step moving forward to stopping the flu virus. Mechanisms, such as stopping a virus replication is very hard to do so this will take a great amount of time, but hopefully a good amount to stopping the virus once and for all. 

Original artilce: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/140410153626.htm

Secondary article: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/275390.php