Infection with influenza virus involves a complex series of nuclear im
port and export events. Early in infection, incoming viral ribonucleop
roteins (vRNPs) are imported into the nucleus. Later, viral transcript
s are exported from the nucleus, newly synthesized structural proteins
are transported back into the nucleus and, finally, newly assembled v
RNPs are exported. All these import and export steps, and, in particul
ar the bidirectional traffic of vRNPs rely on the transport machinery
of the cell, but are regulated both by viral and cellular factors. The
viral M1 protein serves as the master organizer in determining the di
rectionality of vRNP transport.