| Summary: | Influenza A viruses bear a segmented single stranded negative sense RNA genome that is replicated in the nucleus and the newly synthesized viral (v) RNA segments are exported from the nucleus and transported to the plasma membrane for packaging into progeny virions. Influenza viruses exploit many host proteins during these events and this is the portion of the viral life cycle when genetic reassortment among influenza viruses occurs, that allows influenza A viruses to expand their host range, virulence, and pandemic potential. We review recent studies on the export of vRNAs from the nucleus, their transport through the cytoplasm and packaging into progeny virus particles. Understanding these events and the constraints on genetic reassortment has implications for assessment of pandemic potential of newly emerged influenza viruses, vaccine production, viral fitness, and identification of novel therapeutic targets.
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