Influenza virus evolution and vaccine development

Abstract

Although the effectiveness of universal influenza vaccines may vary from year to year, getting vaccinated against the influenza virus remains the optimal strategy for preventing influenza virus infection. As a result, recent research has focused on improving the protective efficacy and potency of influenza vaccines. This paper explores two theories: antigenic drift and antigenic imprinting. Antigenic drift refers to the gradual changes and evolution of antigens within influenza viruses. However, epidemiological data suggest that a single strain dominates each flu season. The theory of antigenic imprinting helps explain this phenomenon. Population immunity targets epitopes of limited variables (ELVs). Influenza vaccines can target ELVs to enhance vaccine effectiveness specifically.