Influenza Vaccine: An Engineering Vision from Virological Importance to Production

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Millions are affected by influenza (flu) annually, a disease caused by influenza viruses.
• Seasonal influenza vaccinations are key for prevention, but current vaccines face challenges due to viral genetic mutations (antigenic drift and shift).
• The need for updated or novel vaccines arises due to the virus's ability to evade existing immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of influenza virus, diseases, and current vaccine production.
• To detail conventional influenza vaccine types and their manufacturing processes.
• To explore development strategies for next-generation universal influenza vaccines.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical data on influenza and vaccine development.
• Explanation of influenza virus morphology, infection pathways, and human diseases.
• Detailed description of inactivated, live attenuated, and recombinant vaccine production methods, including bioreactor use in cell culture.

Main Results:

• Conventional influenza vaccines (inactivated, live attenuated, recombinant) are produced using eggs or cell cultures.
• Existing vaccines require annual updates due to viral evolution.
• Ongoing research focuses on developing universal influenza vaccines for sustained protection.

Conclusions:

• The dynamic nature of influenza viruses necessitates continuous vaccine innovation.
• Universal influenza vaccines represent a promising strategy for addressing global flu threats.
• Advancements in vaccine technology aim for broader and more durable immunity.