The Memory-CD8+-T-Cell Response to Conserved Influenza Virus Epitopes in Mice Is Not Influenced by Time Since Previous Infection.

To protect older adults against influenza A virus (IAV) infection, innovative strategies are imperative to overcome the decrease in protective immune response with age. One approach involves the boosting of CD8+ T cells at middle age that were previously induced by natural infection. At this stage, the immune system is still fit.

Modified influenza M1 peptide vaccination induces non-relevant T-cells and may enhance pathology after challenge.

CD8 + T cells are promising targets for vaccination against influenza A virus (IAV) infection. Their induction via peptide vaccination is not trivial, because peptides are weakly immunogenic. One strategy to overcome this is by vaccination with chemically enhanced altered peptide ligands (CPLs), which have improved MHC-binding and immunogenicity.

A universal influenza mRNA vaccine candidate boosts T cell responses and reduces zoonotic influenza virus disease in ferrets.

Universal influenza vaccines should protect against continuously evolving and newly emerging influenza viruses. T cells may be an essential target of such vaccines, as they can clear infected cells through recognition of conserved influenza virus epitopes. We evaluated a novel T cell-inducing nucleoside-modified messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine that encodes the conserved nucleoprotein, matrix protein 1, and polymerase basic protein 1 of an H1N1 influenza virus.

Influenza Infection in Ferrets with SARS-CoV-2 Infection History.

Nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to contain the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic drastically reduced human-to-human interactions, decreasing the circulation of other respiratory viruses, as well. Consequently, influenza virus circulation, which is normally responsible for 3 to 5 million hospitalizations per year globally, was significantly reduced. With the downscaling of the NPI countermeasures, there is a concern for increased influenza disease, particularly in individuals suffering from postacute effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Varying Viral Replication and Disease Profiles of H2N2 Influenza in Ferrets Is Associated with Virus Isolate and Inoculation Route.

H2N2 influenza virus, the causative agent of the 1957 "Asian flu" pandemic, has disappeared from circulation. However, H2-influenza viruses are still circulating in avian reservoirs. Combined with the waning of H2N2-specific immunity in the human population, there is a risk of reintroduction of H2N2 influenza virus.