Influenza virus vaccine antigens (N/A)

Influenza virus vaccine antigens are the immunogenic components of seasonal and pandemic flu vaccines, primarily comprising the surface glycoproteins hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) (CDC, 2023). Unlike traditional pharmacological targets that are modulated by small molecules or therapeutic antibodies, these antigens function as templates for the host immune system to generate a protective response (StatPearls, 2023). Hemagglutinin is responsible for viral attachment to host cell sialic acid receptors, while neuraminidase facilitates the release of new viral progeny; vaccines aim to elicit antibodies that neutralize these functions (Nature Reviews Microbiology, 2018). Because influenza viruses undergo continuous antigenic evolution, known as antigenic drift, the specific antigens used in vaccines must be reviewed and updated annually by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023). These antigens can be delivered via inactivated viruses, recombinant proteins, or live-attenuated viruses to provide active immunity against infection (FDA, 2023). The primary goal of these antigens is to prime the immune system to recognize and eliminate the virus upon exposure, thereby preventing severe disease and transmission (PubMed, 2021).

Other names

Influenza surface antigensHemagglutinin and Neuraminidase antigensFlu vaccine antigensInfluenza surface glycoproteins

Induction of active immunity through the production of neutralizing antibodies against viral surface proteins, primarily hemagglutinin and neuraminidase.