[Genetic techniques for the production of influenza vaccines (author's transl)]

Influenza mortality and morbidity underscore the need for a more immunogenic influenza vaccine with a shorter production time. Techniques of rapid derivation of mutants and of genetic recombination appear promising in producing vaccines, responsive to major antigenic shifts of influenza virus. "Cold" adapted, inhibitor resistant and temperature sensitive mutants have all proven safe and effective in adults as live influenza vaccines. The property of attenuation for man can be transferred in many instances from well adapted laboratory strains to new variants of wild viruses by genetic recombination. This technique will be useful in the continual updating of live influenza vaccines.