Influenza Virus: A Platform for Pathomechanism-Based Investigation of Drug and Vaccine Development

Influenza viruses belong to the family Orthomyxoviridae and represent a significant global public health concern due to their frequent epidemics and occasional pandemics. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), seasonal influenza A viruses (IAV) infect 3 to 5 million people globally each year, resulting in 290,000 to 650,000 deaths. Among all IAV proteins, the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes exhibit a high mutation rate, attributable to the lack of proofreading activity in the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, leading to the emergence of new strains. Since mutated viruses can cause high infection rates in immunocompromised populations, continuous updates of antiviral drugs and vaccines are necessary, but this poses an economic burden. Current antiviral drugs and vaccines are insufficient to combat all influenza viruses, particularly mutated strains against which vaccines are largely ineffective. To alleviate the economic burden associated with developing new vaccines and drugs in response to viral mutations, the development of universal antiviral drugs and vaccines is imperative. This review will examine four key aspects: the pathogenesis of influenza, the development of anti-influenza drugs, the development of influenza vaccines, and the barriers to vaccine implementation. Through this analysis, the paper aims to provide support for the development of more effective antiviral agents and universal vaccines, as well as offer recommendations for improving the currently low rates of vaccine uptake.