Influenza A viruses belong to Orthomyxoviridae family and are known to cause infection in humans as well as a variety of mammals and birds. The virus is transmitted between diverse species where it extensively utilizes the host biology for its evolution into new pandemic strains. Not surprisingly, many aspects of the life cycle of Influenza A virus are intimately linked to the functions of host cellular proteins and RNAs. Recent discoveries of viral and cellular factors mediating virus-host

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... ractions have allowed scientists to unravel the key molecular mechanisms of viral infection and escape from innate and adaptive immune responses. Recent technological advancements and usage of genome-wide screens will help in identification of cellular proteins that assist or restrict Influenza A virus life cycle, which in turn will not only further our current understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of Influenza infection but also help to develop novel targets of antiviral strategies. In this review we summarize the techniques used to identify host factors and examine the possible roles of the genes and pathways identified in the viral life cycle.