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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.
Abstract:
H3N2-subtype influenza A viruses are major causes of seasonal influenza epidemics. Emerging H3N2 variants require the annual adjustment of the vaccine strain. Recently, studies addressing the reduced effectiveness of current H3N2 vaccines have identified production-related substitutions in the viral hemagglutinin antigen as a possible cause for reduced vaccine efficacy.
Insights
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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