Unravelling the Role of HLA Polymorphism on CD8+ T cell immunity to Seasonal and Avian Influenza A/H5N1 in South-Asian Populations

Influenza, a contagious respiratory pathogen, poses significant morbidity and mortality, resulting in a substantial economic burden. The virus is highly mutable, giving rise to novel strains (e.g. A/H5N1) that can lead to pandemics. The existing influenza vaccine, specific to certain strains, requires annual reformulation and provides limited effectiveness of around 60% against circulating viruses but does not offer protection against novel pandemic strains. This study aims to identify conserved peptides from influenza A/H5N1 internal proteins that could serve as targets for a cross-strain protective T cell-inducing vaccine, offering the potential for broader and more effective immune responses against various influenza strains.