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Influenza A virus, commonly known as the flu virus, can cause a type of cell death called ferroptosis. This is when too many lipid peroxides build up in cells, leading to their destruction. Scientists have found that the hemagglutinin protein of the flu virus plays a crucial role in promoting ferroptosis to help the virus replicate in the body [[1](https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202404365)].

When the flu virus infects cells, the hemagglutinin protein interacts with certain cell components to trigger a process called ferritinophagy. This process involves breaking down ferritin, a protein that stores iron in cells. By breaking down ferritin, the virus causes lipid peroxidation in cells, which impairs their ability to respond to viral infections by shutting down an important immune signaling pathway called the MAVS pathway.

Overall, this study has uncovered a new way in which the flu virus can evade the immune system and replicate more effectively by causing ferroptosis through the actions of the hemagglutinin protein [[1](https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202404365)].