The Next Generation of Influenza Vaccines: Towards a Universal Solution.

ABSTRACT: Influenza viruses remain a constant burden in humans, causing millions of infections and hundreds of thousands of deaths each year. Current influenza virus vaccine modalities primarily induce antibodies directed towards the highly variable head domain of the hemagglutinin protein on the virus surface. Such antibodies are often strain-specific, meaning limited cross-protection against divergent influenza viruses is induced, resulting in poor vaccine efficacy. To attempt to counteract this, yearly influenza vaccination with updated formulations containing antigens from more recently circulating viruses is required. This is an expensive and time-consuming exercise, and the constant arms race between host immunity and virus evolution presents an ongoing challenge for effective vaccine developm

SUBMITTER: McMillan CLD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7825669 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature