Influenza virus poses a great global health burden as seasonal flu outbreaks cause as many as 640,000 deaths annually. The influenza A virus protein M1 is the most abundant and most highly conserved protein in the virus. When polymerised, M1 forms a matrix which lines the inside of the viral membrane envelope mediating the budding process and providing structural support for the virus particle. Despite its essential roles, little is known about what triggers its membrane binding and assembly.
