Is It Possible to Develop a “Universal” Influenza Virus Vaccine?

Influenza viruses cause seasonal epidemics as well as pandemics and are a significant concern for human health. Current influenza virus vaccines show efficacy when they are antigenically well matched to circulating strains. Seasonal influenza viruses undergo antigenic drift at a high rate and, therefore, current vaccines have to be reformulated and readministered on an annual basis. Mismatches between vaccine strains and circulating strains frequently occur, significantly decreasing vaccine efficacy. In addition, current seasonal influenza virus vaccines have limited efficacy against newly emerging pandemic viruses. A universal influenza virus vaccine that induces long-term protection against all influenza virus strains would abolish the need for annual readministration of seasonal influenza virus vaccines and would significantly enhance our pandemic preparedness. Here we discuss the characteristics of universal influenza virus vaccines, their potential target antigens, and critical aspects to consider on the path to successfully developing such vaccines.