Finding a universal vaccine is cornerstone of effective pandemic influenza response

One of the biggest concerns among professionals is the occurrence of an influenza pandemic. For this to happen, however, the emergence of a disease virus must lead to sustained human-to-human transmission, to which humans, in turn, have little or no immunity. Currently, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is unclear whether currently circulating avian, swine, and other influenza viruses will cause future pandemics.

The wide variety of zoonotic influenza viruses that cause human infection requires enhanced surveillance of animal and human populations, thorough investigation of each zoonotic infection, and planning for pandemic preparedness.The reason for this is that within the framework of the “Framework” Ninth Influenza Update Meeting, organized by CSL Seqirus, one of the tables was dedicated to the risk of pandemics caused by avian viruses.This meeting is hosted by Raul Ortiz de Legarazu, Honorary Director of the National Influenza Center in Valladolid.

Avian viruses and influenza

Attending the symposium were Adolfo Garcia-SastreDirector of the Institute for Global Health and Emerging Pathogens at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City shares the key to the molecular determinants of avian influenza virus adaptation in mammals. “Influenza pandemics are partly caused by Lack of sustained immunity García-Sastre claims it is able to fight off the virus that causes it, giving it a greater ability to infect, as has happened during the coronavirus pandemic. He added: “Once that immunity is established, whether through vaccination or infection, not as many people will become severely ill, even if the virus keeps changing.”

“Influenza viruses are the best zoonotic viruses“

Adolfo Garcia-SastreDirector, Institute for Global Health and Emerging Pathogens, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York

New pandemic viruses originate from animal hosts, among which influenza viruses are typical zoonotic viruses. “It has caused four pandemics in 100 years, and it is the only virus we know of that has caused pandemics so frequently,” the spokesman said. In fact, he said, this was not the same as the virus in a different animal host. related to viruses found in . “Most influenza subtypes are present in migratory birdsalthough there are also poultry, pigs, horses, dogs and humans,” he said. He then delved into the jumps between species and the mutations these viruses must develop in order to spread among humans. In this regard, he emphasized that Protect pigs, horses and poultry from influenza viruses and take hygienic precautions.

How to deal with pandemic influenza

Garcia-Sastre Solutions to major problems posed by pandemic influenza were announced, e.g. Rapidly implement programs to diagnose and enhance hospital capacity in resource-poor settingsand combines storage with the ability to quickly obtain adequate doses of antiviral drugs.

He also assured that if a pandemic virus emerges, “we still don’t have the resources to have a strong impact in mitigating the pandemic.” Still, he assured that we are currently better prepared than when COVID-19 hit, but ” We have to have better plans to avoid hospital collapse.”

“We still don’t have enough resources to have a strong impact in mitigating the epidemic”

Adolfo Garcia-SastreDirector of the Institute for Global Health and Emerging Pathogens, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York.

Regarding vaccination against pandemic influenza, he insisted that vaccination can be tried, but the problem is that “we don’t know which virus will cause a pandemic. The vaccines we have are specific to specific influenza viruses, and it takes time to develop them.” To this end, he emphasized the need to achieve universal vaccinehe assured they were working on it.

Make a plan and invest more

The table also includes participation Colin RussellA professor at the Department of Medical Microbiology at the University Medical Center Amsterdam elaborated on the risk assessment of pandemic influenza viruses and pre-pandemic vaccines, stating that “Pandemic fatigue is real, but the threats posed by influenza and other viruses are not over. ” Furthermore, he emphasized that “the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the power of diagnostic tests and non-pharmaceutical interventions. “A predetermined regulatory process helps accelerate vaccine supply,” he added.

“Developing vaccines to prepare countries for epidemics or global threats is critical”

Colin RussellDepartment of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Amsterdam.

Russell believes that influenza viruses should be used as an example to deal with other respiratory viruses.In addition, he also emphasized Need to update preparation plan Aims to identify priority actions in the face of such health events. “Connections and communication among stakeholders must be strengthened,” he stressed.Along these lines, he said, at the same time, they must In addition to promoting investment and monitoring pandemic preparedness, ongoing investments should be made over time. In his speech, he also emphasized that “it is crucial to develop vaccines to prepare countries to respond to epidemics or global threats, including the coronavirus.”

Vaccine models and greater flexibility

On vaccines to enable us to tackle pandemics, Russell believes there must be Model vaccines with simulated authorization

. “If a pandemic occurs, they must be able to be updated to the pandemic virus so that they can be distributed as quickly as possible,” he assured. In fact, he emphasized that the development and manufacturing of vaccines must be accelerated so that they can be used.

“In the event of a pandemic, model vaccines must be made available so that they can be updated to pandemic viruses”

Colin RussellDepartment of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Amsterdam.

Later, he studied in depth zoonotic vaccines. “These viruses contain zoonotic strains that may provide some protection before or in the early stages of human-to-human transmission,” he assured. Furthermore, he emphasized that these are very important for groups that interact with animals, such as poultry workers or vulnerable groups. positive.

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