Effects of influenza virus proteins on immunocompetent cells of the host

: Only 2 influenza viral proteins--HA and M--have been shown to be active against host T cells, M protein being more active than HA in some tests when interacted with CD4 receptor. M protein stimulated the expression of CD25 receptors and the proliferation of lymphocytes; the activated production of alpha-tumor necrosis factor was undetectable when exposed to virus proteins.