Immunological adjuvant

Immunological adjuvants are substances that are used to enhance the body's immune response to an antigen. They are often used in vaccines to improve their effectiveness.

Overview

Immunological adjuvants are substances that can modify the immune response by enhancing it, so as to give a higher amount of antibodies and a longer-lasting protection, thus minimizing the amount of vaccine doses given. They are often used in vaccines to improve their effectiveness.

Types of Adjuvants

There are several types of adjuvants that can be used, including:

• Aluminum salts or alum was the first adjuvant used for licensed vaccines. These are used most commonly in vaccines for diseases such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and the HPV vaccine.
• Oil emulsions are mixtures of oil and water. They are used in some flu vaccines and animal vaccines.
• Liposomes are small spheres made of cholesterol and phospholipid, which can carry either water or fat-soluble antigens.
• Bacterial derivatives such as MPL (monophosphoryl lipid A), a component of the cell wall of Salmonella minnesota.

Mechanism of Action

Adjuvants work by activating the immune system and speeding up the response. They can help to ensure that the immune system responds to the antigen in the vaccine. Adjuvants can also direct the immune response to the antigen by influencing the type of immune cells that are activated.

Safety and Side Effects

While adjuvants can enhance the immune response, they can also cause side effects. These can include local reactions at the injection site, such as redness, swelling, and pain. Systemic reactions can also occur, including fever, chills, and body aches. However, these side effects are generally mild and go away on their own.

See Also

• Vaccine
• Antigen
• Immune system

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