 Influenza A virus, IEV, liquid cytosolic condensates, also known as viral inclusions, can be hardened by changing the valency of their components. This process involves targeting the virus's nucleoprotein, NP, oligomerizing molecule, nucleosin, which does not affect the host proton abundance or solubility. This study provides evidence that this method could be used to modulate the material properties of IEV inclusions, potentially offering new opportunities for antiviral strategies. This article was authored by Tematopec Igbyetibor, Sylvia Velkosta, Sindhuja Shridharam, and others.