TWiV 1307: My heart breaks for flu

This episode of TWiV explores recent findings on adeno-associated virus packaging and influenza-related heart damage. The panel discusses the structural basis for Rep-mediated AAV packaging, detailing how the Rep40 protein facilitates DNA insertion into empty capsids and the implications for gene therapy. They then examine how influenza virus hijacks myeloid cells, leading to type 1 interferon-fueled damage in the heart, noting that vaccination protects the heart. The discussion covers the role of CCL2 in recruiting infected pro-DC3 cells to the heart and the potential for therapeutic interventions targeting interferon receptors on cardiomyocytes. Additional topics include snake husbandry, prophage competition, and space exploration.