Immunogenicity of a Multi‐Epitope Influenza Composite Peptide Vaccine Targeting Human, Swine, and Avian Viruses: Advancing Pandemic Preparedness

BACKGROUND: The emergence of novel reassortant influenza A virus strains and zoonotic transmission to the human population is a critical factor in the development of a global pandemic, as exemplified by the 2009 swine flu pandemic and the ongoing threat of an H5N1 avian flu pandemic. Small, unconjugated synthetic peptide vaccines comprising multiple, highly conserved epitopes may provide an import…