Research Reports on Influenza Vaccines from University of the Witwatersrand Provide New Insights (Hemagglutinin Stalk-Specific Fc-Mediated Functions Are Associated With Protection Against Influenza Illness After Seasonal Influenza Vaccination).

A recent research study conducted by the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa has provided new insights into the effectiveness of influenza vaccines. The study focused on the role of antibodies against the conserved hemagglutinin stalk domain in providing protection against influenza illness after seasonal vaccination. The researchers found that individuals with lower levels of hemagglutinin stalk-specific antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) and complement deposition (ADCD) activity were more likely to develop influenza. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the protective mechanisms of hemagglutinin stalk antibodies in order to develop more effective vaccines. [Extracted from the article]