Modulation of immune responses following antigen administration by mucosalroute

Most microbial infections are either restricted to the mucosal membranes or the etiologic agents needed to transit the mucosa. Thus: it is desirable t o stimulate a mucosal response following vaccination, to block both infecti on and disease development. Attenuated vaccine carriers mimic natural infec tions, triggering also mucosal responses. Similar results can be achieved b y administering antigens with appropriate adjuvants. However, the delivery of antigens per se is not sufficient to engender a protective response. A s uccessful immunization requires the elicitation of an appropriate type of i mmune response (e.g. antibodies vs. cell-mediated immunity, Th1 vs. Th2 hel per pattern). Therefore, a successful vaccination strategy demands the choi ce of adequate antigens, and their appropriate delivery and/or formulation to promote the required quality of immune response. Different strategies to optimize the immune responses elicited following vaccine administration by the mucosal route are discussed. (C) 2000 Federation of European Microbiol ogical Societies. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.