Using a multifaceted cross-species comparison, we show that this pDC-like population is the definitive murine equivalent of the recently described human AXL<sup>+</sup> DCs, which we unify under the name transitional DCs (tDCs) given their continuum of pDC and cDC2 characteristics. tDCs share developmental traits with pDCs, as well as recruitment dynamics during viral infection.
Host cdc2-like kinase 1 (CLK1) is responsible for the alternative splicing of the influenza virus M2 gene during influenza virus infection and replication that has been recognized as a potential anti-influenza virus target.