Improved design of the annual influenza vaccine using epitope analysis

The viral constituents in an influenza vaccine are decided annually based on global surveillance data, phylogenetic or whole-sequence comparisons of hemagglutinin and neuraminidase (viral coat proteins). The virus strains in circulation are monitored and cross reactivity with vaccine components is predicted. An optimal match between vaccine components and circulating virus provides maximal efficacy, while a suboptimal match can have a significant effect on morbidity and mortality. The paper under evaluation offers an analytical tool that has the potential to increase the chances of designing an optimal formulation. The analysis is carried out on the 2003-2004 influenza season and is used to explain clinical observations.