ZBP1 and influenza: One such molecule is the interferon (IFN)-inducible Z-DNA-binding protein 1 (ZBP1), also referred to as DNA-dependent activator of IFN-regulatory factors or DAI, which senses intracellular viruses and assembles a unique complex that mediates parallel necroptosis, apoptosis, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis pathways.22 During influenza infection, Zbp1 is primarily upregulated by IRF1 following IFN production.23 Partial expression of Zbp1, even in the absence of IRF1, suggests other factors may also play a role downstream of IFN signaling.