Development of a Universal Influenza Vaccine

Abstract

The severity of the 2017–18 influenza season, combined with the low efficacy for some vaccine components, highlights the need to improve our current seasonal influenza vaccine. Thus, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases recently announced a strategic plan to improve current influenza vaccines and eventually develop a “universal” influenza vaccine. This review will highlight the many different strategies being undertaken in pursuit of this goal and the exciting advances made by the influenza community. There is no doubt that an improved influenza vaccine is on the horizon.

Tissue-resident CD4+T helper cells assist protective respiratory mucosal B and CD8+T cell memory responses

“…Much of attention has been given to the development of potential universal influenza vaccines recently. The common goals of various universal influenza vaccine candidates are to induce broadly neutralizing influenza Ab, strong CD8 + memory T cell responses against conserved epitopes and/or high levels of localized lung-resident mucosal immunity that can restrict viral spreading early 72, 73, 74, 75 . Due to the high mutation rates of influenza viruses, it is conceivable that the induction of “all inclusive” immune responses, i.e.…”

“…Due to the high mutation rates of influenza viruses, it is conceivable that the induction of “all inclusive” immune responses, i.e. induction of strong both B and CD8 + T cell immunity in the mucosal tissue, may be required for the ultimate success of a universal influenza vaccine 75 . Due to the unique ability of T RH cells in assisting local B RM and T RM development, it is tempting to speculate that the specific promotion of T RH cells may simultaneously promote both memory B and CD8 + T cell immunity in the respiratory tract during vaccination, thereby providing rapid cross-reactive protection against broad-spectrum viruses.…”

From SARS to COVID-19: A previously unknown SARS- related coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) of pandemic potential infecting humans – Call for a One Health approach

“…Despite recent efforts in basic and translational influenza and coronavirus research, there is still no vaccine against coronaviruses for use in humans (this includes SARS and MERS) [16][17][18][19]. In addition, there is yet no universal influenza vaccine available against all influenza virus subtypes and hence seasonal influenza vaccines have to be updated annually and that vaccines for pandemic preparedness are a challenge [20][21][22][23][24][25]. The lack of preventive vaccines for clinical use in humans against such viruses makes emerging influenza and coronaviruses a serious global threat.…”

La gripe: 76 años de vacuna antigripal… ¡y de la hemaglutinina!

“…Otra vía de investigación es la que utilizaría la neuraminidasa como antígeno generador de una robusta respuesta inmune. Esta glucoproteína es inmunógena, desencadena anticuerpos específicos que contribuyen a la inmunidad 37,38 , y su capacidad de mutación es menor que la de la hemaglutinina (39) .…”