Advantages of Broad-Spectrum Influenza mRNA Vaccines and Their Impact on Pulmonary Influenza

Abstract

Influenza poses a significant global health challenge due to its rapid mutation and antigenic variability, which often leads to seasonal epidemics and frequent outbreaks. Traditional vaccines struggle to offer comprehensive protection because of mismatches with circulating viral strains. The development of a broad-spectrum vaccine is therefore crucial. This paper explores the potential of mRNA vaccine technology to address these challenges by providing a swift, adaptable, and broad protective response against evolving influenza strains. We detail the mechanisms of antigenic variation in influenza viruses and discuss the rapid design and production, enhanced immunogenicity, encoding of multiple antigens, and safety and stability of mRNA vaccines compared to traditional methods. By leveraging these advantages, mRNA vaccines represent a revolutionary approach in influenza prevention, potentially offering broad-spectrum protection and significantly improving global influenza management and response strategies.

Keywords: broad-spectrum influenza vaccine; mRNA Vaccine mRNA; pulmonary influenza.

Figure 1

Classification of Human Influenza Viruses. This diagram illustrates the hierarchical classification of human seasonal influenza viruses, showing the division into types, subtypes, lineages, clades, and sub-clades. Influenza A is categorized into subtypes A(H1N1) and A(H3N2), while Influenza B is divided into Victoria and Yamagata lineages. The diagram further details examples of clades and sub-clades for each subtype, providing a clear framework for understanding the genetic diversity within seasonal influenza viruses.

Figure 2

Structrue of Influenza A Viruses. Influenza A virus structure, highlighting its lipid envelope with embedded HA and NA glycoproteins for cell attachment and release. Inside, the matrix (M1) protein supports the envelope, with M2 ion channels regulating internal pH. The core contains eight segments of negative-strand RNA, forming ribonucleoprotein complexes with nucleoproteins, essential for viral replication. HA, haemagglutinin; M1, matrix protein; M2, membrane protein; NA, neuraminidase; NS1, nonstructural protein 1; PA, polymerase acidic protein; PB1, polymerase basic protein 1; PB2, polymerase basic protein 2.

Figure 3

Overview of mRNA Vaccine Development and Function. (a) The production of mRNA vaccines starts with sequence design, followed by in vitro transcription, purification, and nanoprecipitation with lipids to form lipid nanoparticles. The final product undergoes filtration to ensure vaccine quality. (b) The structure of the mRNA includes a 7-methylguanosine cap, 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs), an open reading frame (ORF) coding for the protein of interest, and a stabilizing Poly(A) tail. (c) Two mechanisms of protein production are shown: (A) direct translation of the mRNA into the target protein, and (B) replicase-mediated amplification, where replicase genes first produce replicase proteins, leading to RNA amplification and enhanced protein production.

Figure 4

Mechanisms of mRNA Vaccine Efficacy. This diagram depicts the integral processes of mRNA vaccine effectiveness including mRNA delivery with dendritic cell targeting and endosomal uptake, self-adjuvant effects via type I interferon gene induction enhancing dendritic cell responses, and antigen signaling involving MHC molecule presentation and T cell activation. These mechanisms collectively foster both an immediate immune defense and the development of lasting immunity through memory cells.