Development of a non-immunising, paraspecific vaccine from attenuated pox viruses: a new type of vaccine

The various research periods leading to the development of paraspecific vac cines are described. Paraspecific vaccines are new, pyrogen-free, non-toxic preparations that contain non-immunising antigens and can be used to gener ate endogenic protective, non-antigen specific mechanisms in the sense of p aramunization in humans and animals. They consist of highly attenuated and inactivated (0.05 % beta -propiolactone) virus strains of various poxvirus genera. They activate the T helper cells and cellular elements of the paras pecific (innate) immune system and initiate the associated production and r elease of cytokines (cytokine cascade) with the goal of eliminating dysfunc tions of the immune systems, rapidly enhancing the individual's non-pathoge n- and non-antigen-specific defences and exerting a regulatory effect on th e interplay between the immune, hormone, nervous and vascular systems (sign al-transduction mediators). They can be used systemically (intramuscularly) and locally (mucous membranes, skin). Immunization with paraspecific vacci nes does not lead to postvaccinal complications and can be carried out as o ften as necessary, even for a number of years. They are compatible with con ventional medicines and conventional specific vaccines. Closely linked prot ein complexes in the envelopes of the virus particles are responsible for t heir efficacy, some of those envelope protein complexes possess the propert ies of weak super antigens. Paraspecific vaccines have proved effective in combating viral infections, in particular herpes and hepatitis B and C infe ctions, and chronic inflammatory diseases, and also as adjuvant therapy for tumours, for curing stress-related disturbances and dysfunctions of the im mune system.