Traditional influenza vaccines have a limitation because they must be changed every year in order to contain the strains most likely to be effective. These vaccines induce virus-specific antibody response while being ineffective in stimulating a cell-mediated immune response. Vaccines that would stimulate cellular immunity and the production of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, crucial for elimination of virus, are being investigated. In order for CD8 + T cells to be activated, the target protein must be introduced into the cytosol. Therefore, systems have been developed that allow the expression of antigens in the cytosol, such as recombinant viral vectors or DNA vaccines. DNA vaccines activate both types of adaptive immune responses and can provide faster more effective immunization in the event of a new epidemic. DNA vaccines are an innovative method in vaccination that can be used as a potential strategy to fight influenza infection. This paper presents the development of DNA influenza vaccines, their main characteristics, mechanism of action, advantages and disadvantages, application of delivery systems to improve quality, increase yield and antigenic expression of DNA vaccines with the objective of ensuring the efficacy, safety and costeffectiveness of future pDNA vaccine products.

Zana Gajic is a teacher at the Academy of Health Studies in Belgrade with a previous work experience of 25 years in a clinical center as a master molecular biologist and pharmacy specialist. She has published many works in the field of laboratory medicine.