In that liquid buildup in lung tissue as a result of influenza infection can cause permanent damage to the lungs and set the stage for pneumonia and other serious lung problems, Sadis Matalon, from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (Alabama, USA), and colleagues have elucidated the role of the flu virus on the M2 protein and other key proteins present in lung cells.  In laboratory models of influenza, the team found that an isolated segment of the M2 protein causes damage to lung protein, and that antioxidant compounds prevented the M2 protein from causing this damage.  Explaining that: “Influenza virus M2 protein inhibits epithelial sodium channels by increasing reactive oxygen species,” the researchers submit that “these novel findings suggest a mechanism for the influenza-induced rhinorrhea and life-threatening alveolar edema in humans.”