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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
04:47
A Method to Assess Fc-mediated Effector Functions Induced by Influenza Hemagglutinin Specific Antibodies
Published on: February 23, 2018
Cross-protective immunity to influenza A viruses
Suzanne L Epstein1, Graeme E Price
1Division of Cellular and Gene Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD 20852, USA. suzanne.epstein@fda.hhs.gov
Expert Review of Vaccines
|November 20, 2010
Summary
Universal influenza vaccines targeting conserved antigens could reduce disease severity and spread. These vaccines offer a promising public health strategy, especially when strain-matched vaccines are unavailable.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Influenza virus undergoes constant antigenic changes (drift and shift), challenging vaccine efficacy.
- Current strain-matched vaccines often lag behind viral evolution, creating public health gaps.
- Existing vaccines provide limited cross-protection, necessitating improved strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of universal influenza vaccines for broad protection.
- To assess the benefits of cross-protective immunity against influenza A viruses.
- To evaluate the role of conserved antigens in vaccine development.
Main Methods:
- Review of animal model studies on cross-protective immunity.
- Analysis of epidemiological data regarding human cross-protection.
- Conceptualization of universal vaccine strategies for influenza.
Main Results:
- Animal models demonstrate that cross-protective vaccines reduce disease severity, mortality, and viral shedding.
- Mucosal vaccine administration enhances the effectiveness and duration of cross-protective immunity.
- Epidemiological evidence suggests potential for cross-protective immunity in humans.
Conclusions:
- Universal influenza vaccines targeting conserved antigens hold significant promise for reducing disease burden.
- These vaccines could provide crucial protection during outbreaks and pandemics before strain-matched vaccines are ready.
- Further research into human cross-protective immunity is warranted to optimize universal vaccine approaches.
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