Use of prior vaccinations for the development of new vaccines
Article Abstract:
If individuals are exposed to a substance that they have been previously vaccinated against, either the induction or the suppression of an immune response can occur. This depends on the type of immunological memory that was induced by the first exposure. Substances that individuals have been previously immunized against may be helpful in immunizing individuals against new substances. For this to occur, materials must be selected that did not cause suppression of the immune response by the induction of suppressor cells. Early attempts of using proteins given in previous vaccinations have failed because the whole protein was used, which contained regions of the molecule that cause suppression and regions that cause immune activation. The two types of activities were not separated. A small portion of the tetanus toxoid molecule has been identified which causes activation of the immune response by eliciting helper T cells, but not suppressor T cells. This peptide was attached to another peptide that was not immunogenic (capable of inducing immunity) on its own, and was then injected into mice. An immune response was induced to the new peptide. Since many humans have been immunized against the tetanus toxoid, this peptide can potentially be used in vaccines against substances that are not immunogenic or poorly induce immunity. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Science
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8075
Year: 1990
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TB Vaccines: Global Solutions for Global Problems
Article Abstract:
Tuberculosis claims over 2 million lives every year, and the disease seems to be spreading and there are more drug-resistant strains that are migrating around the world. Scientists have searched for an effective tuberculosis vaccine with little success. But scientists may be throwing light on the problem using DNA microarray technology.
Publication Name: Science
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8075
Year: 1999
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Naked DNA points way to vaccines
Article Abstract:
Vical Inc scientists discovered that animals cells would easily accept naked DNA injections and begin produce producing foreign proteins. Subsequent work with Merck Research Laboratories has fostered hope of cheap effective vaccines and more easily produced gene therapy.
Publication Name: Science
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8075
Year: 1993
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