Research progress in broad neutralizing antibodies and universal vaccines against influenza A virus

Abstract

Influenza vaccination is the most effective means to prevent and control influenza epidemics, and the universal influenza vaccine which can induce broad and long-term protective effect is still in its infancy. Up to date, several broad neutralizing antibodies that can antagonize a variety of influenza A viruses have been identified, and the crystal structure of the antibody and HA complex reveals at least three highly conserved epitopes. Deep insights into the molecular mechanism of the interactions between neutralizing antibodies and virus antigen can elicit a new strategy not only for rational design of universal influenza vaccines, but also for the development of antibody-based therapeutics against influenza virus. In this paper, advances in research of universal neutralizing antibodies and vaccines for Influenza A virus are reviewed. Key words: Influenza A virus; Heamagglutinin; Epitope; Broad neutralizing antibody; Vaccine