An lncRNA containing tandem 66-nt repeats recruits PTBP1 to disrupt PB2-NP assembly and restrict influenza virus replication in vivo.

AL645608.7, an lncRNA with eight tandem 66-nt repeats, recruits PTBP1 via RRM3 to disrupt the PB2–NP interface and restrict influenza replication in mice.

• Why it matters: Influenza RNP assembly in the nucleus is essential for viral RNA synthesis, but how host lncRNAs regulate this step remains unclear.
• What they did: The study identified AL645608.7 and its splice variants, showing they restrict influenza replication; it mapped repeat-driven PTBP1 recruitment and PTBP1’s engagement of PB2 and NP.
• The result: Lipid nanoparticle delivery of AL645608.7 markedly reduced viral burden and improved disease outcomes in mice, supporting lncRNA-based therapeutic potential.

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