Adjuvants
Adjuvants
Adjuvants (/ædʒʊvənts/; from Latin, adjuvare, to aid) are substances that are added to vaccines to enhance the body's immune response to the vaccine. They are often used to improve the efficacy and longevity of immunization.
History
The concept of adjuvants dates back to the early 20th century, when scientists discovered that adding certain substances to vaccines could enhance their effectiveness. The first adjuvants were simple substances such as aluminum salts, but modern adjuvants are often complex molecules designed to stimulate specific parts of the immune system.
Types of Adjuvants
There are several types of adjuvants, including:
- Aluminum salts (also known as alum), which have been used in vaccines for over 80 years.
- Oil emulsions, which are mixtures of oil and water that can stimulate a strong immune response.
- Liposomes, which are tiny spheres of fat that can carry vaccine antigens and adjuvants into cells.
- Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, which are molecules that can stimulate the immune system by binding to TLRs on immune cells.
Use in Vaccines
Adjuvants are used in many vaccines, including those for influenza, hepatitis B, and human papillomavirus (HPV). They can enhance the immune response to the vaccine, allowing for a lower dose of the vaccine antigen to be used. This can make the vaccine more cost-effective and reduce potential side effects.
Safety and Side Effects
Adjuvants are generally considered safe, but like all medical interventions, they can have side effects. These can include local reactions at the injection site (such as redness, swelling, or pain), as well as systemic reactions (such as fever or fatigue). However, serious side effects are rare.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Adjuvants
- Wikipedia's article - Adjuvants
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