Priscilla Du
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Yongqun He
Research Mentor School/College/Department: / 0
Program:
Authors: Priscilla Du, Yongqun He
Session: Session 4: 1:40 pm – 2:30 pm
Poster: 79
Abstract
Background Pigs, birds, and other animals can contract respiratory illnesses from swine influenza viruses, but particular strains have also been identified to infect humans, causing outbreaks. The possible effects of swine influenza on public health make studying the disease in humans crucial. To create strategies for managing and preventing this virus, we need to comprehend, collect information from, and evaluate the vaccines that combat it. Research has clarified the function of several viral subtypes, including H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2 in human infections. Studies have also shown how these subtypes can reassert human influenza viruses to produce new strains that have the potential to become pandemics. Some important terms with this research include antigenic shift, a large genetic recombination leading to novel strains, antigenic drift, gradual genetic alterations in the virus, and zoonosis, a disease transmitted from animals to humans. Data collected from clinical trials allow us to analyze swine influenza viruses and input information into the web-based VIOLIN (Vaccine Investigation and Online Information Network) vaccine database system. This will make it easier to assess the safety, immunogenicity, and effectiveness of vaccines, which will ultimately aid in the making of better human vaccines against swine influenza. Methods New vaccines were annotated and recorded on VIOLIN using sources from PubMed or clinicaltrials.gov. When entering a vaccine into the VIOLIN database, clinicaltrials.gov was often first used to find potential vaccines and compare them to those already entered in VIOLIN. When a new vaccine was found, PubMed was used to find related articles about the vaccine’s development and trials, and the appropriate information was input into the appropriate sections. After submission, data is subject to review from domain experts, and all data in the database is backed up daily. After viral vaccines were submitted, an experienced domain expert proofread the annotated results. Only after the proofreading and approval, the submitted viral vaccine records could be queried and viewed by public users in VIOLIN. The Vaccine Ontology (VO) was used to represent all the viral vaccines. All the viral vaccines in VIOLIN were represented, and VO IDs were assigned. In addition to viral vaccine labels and VO IDs, the VO also provides definitions, VIOLIN IDs, references, and many logical axioms for providing vaccine attributes such as vaccine components, qualities, and roles. Results We systematically collected, manually annotated, and analyzed 553 swine influenza vaccines, and stored the vaccine information. The dataset consisted of clinical trial entries for various swine influenza vaccines targeting different strains and subtypes, predominantly focusing on H1N1 and H5N1 strains. These vaccines are assessed in clinical trials for their efficacy and safety. Each entry provides information such as the clinical trial ID, vaccine name, trial web link, target influenza strain, vaccine type, and evaluation scores. The vaccines are administered through different formulations, including split-virion, whole-virion, inactivated, and subunit. Additionally, adjuvants such as MF59 are used in some formulations to enhance immune response. Several trials evaluate the efficacy of monovalent vaccines against specific strains like H1N1 and H5N1. The trials vary in dosage, adjuvant use, formulation, and year the trial was started and completed, indicating a diverse approach toward vaccine development and optimization. Discussion The dataset shows a variety of vaccine formulations, suggesting ongoing efforts to develop effective vaccines against influenza. This allows for exploring strategies to enhance immunogenicity and vaccine efficacy. Including adjuvants like MF59 in formulations highlights the importance of enhancing immune responses, particularly in vaccines targeting highly pathogenic strains like H5N1. Adjuvants play an important role in improving vaccine efficacy and enabling dose-sparing strategies. Focusing on specific influenza strains like H1N1 and H5N1 demonstrates targeted vaccine development efforts to address potential pandemic threats or seasonal outbreaks. This approach ensures preparedness against evolving influenza viruses. Evaluation scores from the dataset provide insight into the vaccine efficacy and safety profiles. These scores are important in regulatory approvals and public health recommendations. Continued research and clinical trials will advance influenza vaccine development, and further studies can explore novel vaccine platforms, additional adjuvants, and universal strategies to provide broader protection against influenza strains.
