Antigenic cross-reactivity among H5N1 viruses
Adrianus C M Boon1, Richard J Webby
1Division of Virology, Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 332 N Lauderdale St, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses are spreading and diversifying, complicating vaccine development. Understanding cross-protection between H5N1 strains is crucial for pandemic preparedness.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus spread since 1996 necessitates pandemic preparedness.
- Vaccine development is central to H5N1 pandemic preparedness efforts.
- Genetic diversification of H5N1 strains complicates vaccine strain selection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cross-reactivity and cross-protection between genetically distinct H5N1 strains.
- To highlight the importance of understanding cross-protection mechanisms for vaccine design.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies on H5N1 strain cross-reactivity and cross-protection.
- Analysis of genetic diversity among circulating H5N1 strains.
Main Results:
- Studies show encouraging cross-reaction and cross-protection among various H5N1 strains.
- Predictive ability of cross-protection based on strain genetic similarity is currently poor.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the targets and mechanisms of H5N1 cross-protection is essential.
- Enhanced knowledge of cross-protection is a key focus for future pandemic preparedness strategies.
More Related Videos
04:47A Method to Assess Fc-mediated Effector Functions Induced by Influenza Hemagglutinin Specific Antibodies
Published on: February 23, 2018
12:18Expression of Functional Recombinant Hemagglutinin and Neuraminidase Proteins from the Novel H7N9 Influenza Virus Using the Baculovirus Expression System
Published on: November 6, 2013
Related Concept Videos
Cross-reactivity
Viral Recombination
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
Influenza
