Pediatria pre prax 2/2014

Current knowledge of adjuvants in vaccines

Depot and immunomodulatory effect of the adjuvants is used to amplify the immune response. Aluminum compounds are the oldest but still the most used adjuvants. They are insoluble in water and after administration of the vaccine should be dissolved in the intracellular fluids. Their main function is to gradually release a small amount of antigens over a very long period. Absorption of aluminum after the vaccine administration runs at a constant proportion and the amount of aluminium never exceeds a minimum level of risk in children. A number of studies have confirmed that there is no causal relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and the presence of aluminum in the body. Squalene, which is part of the adjuvant systems (MF59 a ASO3), is a natural part of the human body. Vaccines containing squalene are safe, link with the Gulf War syndrome was not proven. Combined adjuvant system ASO4 induces high cellular and humoral immune response. Development of new vaccines leads to an acute need for the introduction of new adjuvants.

Keywords: adjuvant effect, aluminium compounds, squalene, ASO4