Designing anti-influenza vaccines in line with the population’s genetic profile

Abstract

The changeability of viruses largely depends on adaptation to the conditions of reproduction and mechanisms of the antiviral protection of host cells. Within populations, adaptation is associated with HLA specifics of identifying viral antigens. A population’s genetic profile and the diversity of HLA haplotypes affect not only the morbidity rate but also the destiny of entire ethnic groups, their size, and premature mortality indicators. Therefore, the solution to the problem of protecting a population against mass viral infections is impossible without taking into account the HLA interethnic polymorphism, which specifies sensitivity to infections and response to mass vaccination. Recent achievements in human genetics allow the system of preventive medicine to upgrade to the level of genetic personalization. In a multinational country like Russia, this approach should become the basis for the preventive trend in practical medicine.