Avian Influenza and the Approach to Designing an H5N1 Vaccine

Authors

Lauren N. Hickey, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow

First Advisor

Dr. Hiep Vu

Second Advisor

Dr. Roberto Cortinas

Date of this Version

5-2027

Document Type

Thesis

Citation

Hickey, L. 2025. Avian Influenza and the Approach to Designing an H5N1 Vaccine. Undergraduate Honors Thesis. University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Comments

Copyright Lauren Hickey 2025

Abstract

The Avian influenza virus (AIV) H5N1 has been responsible for the culling and deaths of millions of birds since 2022 with concern for wildlife, livestock, and human infections occurring as well. With eggs flying off the shelves in grocery stores, even individuals not involved in the agricultural industry have seen the drastic effects of this disease first-hand. For chickens, this virus works quickly and overpowers the innate immune system before the adaptive immune system has time to properly respond. Therefore, a safe and effective vaccine could reduce the number of poultry deaths and prevent the continuous spread of the infection. Despite this epidemic, the current use of an AIV vaccine is conditional and has not been implemented widespread. Challenges with the embryonated egg approach and caution around recombinants have slowed vaccine development and resulted in alternative methods including the stalk portion of the HA surface protein and cell culture procedures. Although other vaccine approaches and methods have been explored recently, the standard remains for a vaccine targeting the head portion of the HA surface protein inoculated into embryonated chicken eggs, quantified via SRID, and inactivated for formulation.