Innovations in Influenza Vaccine Development: Emerging Technologies and Future Directions

Influenza vaccine development remains a major public health priority because of seasonal antigenic change, unpredictable pandemic emergence, limited vaccine effectiveness in some populations, and the need for annual strain selection and waning vaccine-induced immune responses over time. Current research is addressing these limitations through universal vaccine concepts, improved adjuvants, recombinant and cell-based production, mRNA platforms, intranasal delivery, and vaccines designed to induce broader antibody and T-cell responses. Recent findings have identified conserved regions of haemagglutinin and neuraminidase, stalk-directed antibodies, and mucosal immune mechanisms as important targets. However, uncertainties remain regarding the durability and breadth of protection, the best correlates of immunity, and the performance of emerging platforms in older adults, children, and immunocompromised populations.This Research Topic aims to highlight innovative approaches for improving the breadth, durability, accessibility, and effectiveness of influenza vaccines. It will cover vaccine discovery, formulation, delivery, manufacturing, preclinical testing, clinical evaluation, and pandemic preparedness.To gather further insights into next-generation influenza vaccine research, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:o Universal and broadly protective influenza vaccineso Conserved haemagglutinin, neuraminidase, and internal antigenso mRNA, recombinant, viral-vector, and cell-based platformso Intranasal and mucosal vaccine deliveryo Novel adjuvants and dose-sparing strategieso Vaccination of older adults, children, and vulnerable populationso Correlates of protection and immune imprintingo Pandemic influenza preparedness and rapid vaccine production Topic editors: SIVARAM GUNISETTY, Akil Akhtar Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/86993/innovations-in-influenza-vaccine-development-emerging-technologies-and-future-directions