PRESENT STATUS OF THE USE OF CYTOKINES AS ADJUVANTS WITH VACCINES TO PROTECT AGAINST INFECTIOUS-DISEASES

Vaccine adjuvants are expected to play an important role in enhancing the immunogenicity of existing and new-generation vaccines against inf ectious diseases. In particular, adjuvants should direct the immune re sponse in the most appropriate manner-furthering, for example, an expa nded B-cell response, a cytotoxic T-cell response, or a T-helper 1 or 2 subset response. While some noncytokine adjuvants have exerted poten t effects, their modes of action are most likely mediated by cytokines . Several cytokines have already been shown to be efficient adjuvants in animal models and/or in clinical trials. The mechanisms of cytokine function must be better understood and the techniques for the use of cytokines improved if the full potential of these substances as vaccin e adjuvants is to be realized. When used to best advantage, such adjuv ants enhance the immunity induced by viral, bacterial, and parasitic v accines and thereby promote efficient protection or even cure.