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mRNA Vaccines for Influenza: Hope for a Universal Vaccine?

Priscilla Omotara1, Wandi Zhu1, Bao-Zhong Wang2

  • 1Center for Inflammation, Immunity and Infection, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, 100 Piedmont Ave, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA.

Biodrugs : Clinical Immunotherapeutics, Biopharmaceuticals and Gene Therapy
|June 15, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines show promise for a universal influenza vaccine, overcoming viral evolution and strain diversity challenges. This approach targets conserved antigens for broader, longer-lasting protection against flu.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Vaccinology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Seasonal influenza poses a continuous global health risk, necessitating novel vaccine strategies.
  • Current influenza vaccines require frequent updates due to rapid viral evolution and strain diversity.
  • Existing vaccines face challenges in addressing all influenza types (A and B) and subtypes effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the potential of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine technology for developing a universal influenza vaccine.
  • To explore strategies for creating broadly protective and long-lasting immunity against influenza viruses.
  • To discuss advancements in mRNA vaccine platforms and delivery for influenza.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent studies on mRNA vaccine platforms, including self-amplifying and circular RNA.
  • Analysis of multivalent antigen selection strategies for universal influenza vaccine development.
  • Examination of optimized mRNA delivery systems for inducing mucosal immunity.

Main Results:

  • mRNA lipid-nanoparticle technology offers a versatile platform for rapid vaccine updates and high-valent formulations.
  • Targeting conserved influenza antigens with mRNA vaccines can induce broader and more durable immune responses.
  • Advances in mRNA delivery show potential for generating long-term mucosal immunity.

Conclusions:

  • mRNA technology is a promising candidate for achieving a universal influenza vaccine.
  • Further research into antigen selection, delivery optimization, and manufacturing is crucial for clinical translation.
  • Defining correlates of protection and ensuring accessibility are key milestones for universal influenza vaccine success.

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