Universal Influenza Virus Vaccines That Target the Conserved Hemagglutinin Stalk and Conserved Sites in the Head Domain

Abstract

Due to limitations of current influenza virus vaccines, new vaccines that mediate broad protection and show high efficacy against seasonal and pandemic viruses are urgently needed. The conserved stalk of the viral hemagglutinin has been identified as potential target antigen for this new generation of vaccines. A vaccination strategy based on chimeric hemagglutinin (cHA), which refocuses the immune response toward the stalk domain and the conserved neuraminidase, is currently being tested in clinical trials. Here we discuss how to improve the cHA antigens to generate vaccine candidates that both induce a broad antistalk response and target conserved immunosubdominant epitopes in the head domain of the hemagglutinin. These novel constructs, termed mosaic hemagglutinins, should provide enhanced protection and should be tested in clinical trials to assess their improved potential as universal influenza virus vaccine candidates.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Apr 08, 2019
Source ID
10.1093/infdis/jiy711

Entities

People

  • Florian Krammer
  • Peter Palese

Organizations

  • GSK
  • Gates Foundation
  • Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
  • National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
  • United States Department of Defense

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Immunology
  • Infectious Disease/Epidemiology

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology