Some recent papers provided indications for the utilization of alternative entry pathways by IAV. Studies in which CME was obstructed by pharmacological or genetic intervention indicated the ability of IAV to enter host cells via alternative endocytic routes [4, 6, 7] . Also live cell imaging revealed the simultaneous availability of entry routes involving non-coated as well as clathrin-coated pits [4] . However, this alternative IAV entry route has not been characterized in any detail and requirements for any specificity in receptor usage apart from the need for the proper sialic acid moiety have not been established.