A novel influenza vaccine targeting protective epitopes of limited variability

Antigenic targets of influenza vaccination are currently seen to be polarised between (i) highly immunogenic (and protective) epitopes of high variability, and (ii) conserved epitopes of low immunogenicity. This requires vaccines directed against the variable sites to be continuously updated, with the only other alternative being seen as the artificial boosting of immunity to invariant epitopes of low natural efficacy. However, theoretical models suggest that the antigenic evolution of influenza is best explained by postulating the existence of highly immunogenic epitopes of limited variability. We have established a pipeline for identifying such epitopes of limited variability, thereby offering a new route by which a universal influenza vaccine can be created; these vaccines would also have the potential to protect against newly emerging influenza strains.