Confronting potential influenza A (H5N1) pandemic with better vaccines

Emerg Infect Dis. 2007 Oct;13(10):1512-8. doi: 10.3201/eid1310.061262.

Abstract

Influenza A (H5N1) viruses are strong candidates for causing the next influenza pandemic if they acquire the ability for efficient human-to-human transmission. A major public health goal is to make efficacious vaccines against these viruses by using novel approaches, including cell-culture system, reverse genetics, and adjuvant development. Important consideration for the strategy includes preparation of vaccines from a currently circulating strain to induce broad-spectrum immunity toward newly emerged human H5 strains. This strategy would be a good solution early in a pandemic until an antigenically matched and approved vaccine is produced. The concept of therapeutic vaccines (e.g., antidisease vaccine) directed at diminishing the cytokine storm frequently seen in subtype H5N1-infected persons is underscored. Better understanding of host-virus interaction is essential to identify tools to produce effective vaccines against influenza (H5N1).

Publication types

  • Editorial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Outbreaks / prevention & control*
  • Global Health
  • Humans
  • Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype / immunology*
  • Influenza Vaccines / classification
  • Influenza Vaccines / immunology*
  • Influenza in Birds / epidemiology*
  • Influenza, Human / epidemiology
  • Influenza, Human / immunology*
  • Poultry / immunology*
  • Vaccines, Attenuated
  • Vaccines, Inactivated

Substances

  • Influenza Vaccines
  • Vaccines, Attenuated
  • Vaccines, Inactivated