The seasonal influenza vaccine contains strains of viruses from distinct virus subtypes, but most people who are vaccinated will mount a strong immune response to one strain, leaving them vulnerable to infection by the others. Researchers have long wondered whether host genetics or prior exposure to virus strains impacts more on these variable responses.
A study by Standford Medicine scientists now indicates that host genetics is a stronger driver of individual differences in influenza vaccine response. The team’s reported study also presents a novel vaccine platform that improved protection against diverse influenza subtypes when tested in animal models and in human tonsil-derived organoids. The research suggests that the new approach might also be used to help protect against new flu variants with…