26) Highly conserved influenza A sequences as T cell epitopes-based vaccine targets to address the viral variability

Tan PT, Khan AM, August JT.
Hum Vaccin. 2011 Apr 1;7(4)
PUBMED PMID: 21471731
Out link: Full-text
Impact Factor Year 2009: 1.94
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ABSTRACT

Vaccines are the only proven effective method for prevention of human infectious diseases. Almost all traditional vaccines require activating immunological memory B cells to secrete neutralizing antibodies against invading pathogens. The complication with influenza viruses is the high viral mutation rate that results in immune escape through modification of the B cell epitopes. Studies of T cell immunity to influenza infection provide an alternative vaccine strategy based on highly conserved T cell epitopes. In this review, we discuss the importance of T cell-mediated immunity in influenza infection and the need for a targeted vaccine approach focused on highly conserved T cell epitopes to mitigate immune escape. We propose 15 highly conserved pan-influenza sequences as possible T cell epitopes-based vaccine targets for broad protection and lasting immunity against variant influenza strains.

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