Reverse genetics for influenza B viruses and recent advances in vaccine development

• Published in: Current opinion in virology Vol. 44; pp. 191 - 202
• Main Authors: Cardenas-Garcia, Stivalis, Caceres, C Joaquin, Rajao, Daniela, Perez, Daniel R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.10.2020
• Subjects: Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Influenza B virus - genetics; Influenza B virus - immunology; Influenza Vaccines - genetics; Influenza Vaccines - immunology; Influenza, Human - immunology; Influenza, Human - prevention & control; Mice; Reverse Genetics - methods; Seasons; Vaccination; Vaccines, Attenuated - genetics; Vaccines, Attenuated - immunology
• ISSN: 1879-6257; 1879-6265
• DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2020.10.005

•Influenza season 2019–2020 showed an earlier onset of influenza B infections and a higher incidence compared to previous seasons.•Two different reverse genetic systems for IBV were simultaneously published in 2002 using 8 and 12 plasmids, respectively.•Reverse genetics has been crucial for the development of potential alternative vaccine candidates.•Different live attenuated vaccine platforms have been assessed over the years showing proissing results in terms of protection in animal models. Influenza B virus is a respiratory pathogen that affects more severely the pediatric and elderly populations. There are two lineages of influenza B virus that seem to have differential predilection for age groups. Both lineages can co-circulate during the influenza season however one is usually more prominent than the other depending on the season. There are no defined indicators to predict which lineage will dominate in any given season. In recent years, the addition of viruses from both lineages to the seasonal influenza vaccine formulation has improved vaccine protection, although quadrivalent vaccines are not available worldwide. Reverse genetics has facilitated advancements in the field of vaccine development against influenza B virus. Different strategies have been explored showing promising results that could potentially lead to the development broadly protective influenza B virus vaccines.