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Influenza H3N2 Vaccines: Recent Challenges.
Ahmed Mostafa1, Stephan Pleschka2
1Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Schubertstrasse 81, 35392 Giessen, Germany; Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Egypt.
Seasonal flu vaccines are adjusted annually to combat H3N2 influenza A virus variants. Production changes in the hemagglutinin antigen may explain why current H3N2 vaccines are less effective.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Influenza A virus H3N2 subtype causes seasonal epidemics.
- Annual vaccine strain adjustment is necessary due to emerging H3N2 variants.
- Reduced effectiveness of current H3N2 vaccines has been observed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of reduced H3N2 vaccine effectiveness.
- To identify specific viral changes impacting vaccine efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of viral hemagglutinin (HA) antigen.
- Comparison of vaccine strains with circulating H3N2 variants.
- Assessment of production-related substitutions in HA.
Main Results:
- Production-related substitutions were identified in the H3N2 hemagglutinin antigen.
- These substitutions are a potential cause for the reduced effectiveness of H3N2 vaccines.
Conclusions:
- Substitutions during vaccine strain production may impact H3N2 vaccine efficacy.
- Further research is needed to address these production-related changes for improved vaccine design.
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