Attenuating Influenza A virus infection via internalization and downregulation of EGFR

The aim of the study was to investigate the potential of Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF), a ligand of epidermal growth factor receptor, in treating influenza A virus (IAV) infection. The results demonstrated that pre-treatment of HB-EGF could suppress IAV infection in A549 cells. In addition, HB-EGF restores the regulation of STAT protein which plays a role in the cellular antiviral response in IAV infected cells.