Asian Journal of Bio Science

Tanu Priya ¹, S. K Sindhu ¹, Virendra Singh Gautam ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Chemistry, S.s.v (p.g.) College, Hapur, U.P., IN
2 Department of Biotechnology, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, U.P., IN

Abstract

In field of vaccination, to get better immune response, alum is the sole adjuvant approved for human vaccination. Alum is able to induce a good antibody (Th2) response, but it is not effective to stimulate cellular (Th1) immune response, which is so important for protection against many pathogens. Although alum has been used extensively in vaccines for over 70 years, the exact mechanism by which they enhance immune response have not been fully elucidated, which is important for better knowledge of the adjuvants and immune response. In addition alum has the potential to cause severe local and systemic side-effects including sterile abscesses, redness, sub-cutaneous nodules, and some allergic responses, although fortunately most of the more serious side-effects are relatively rare. There is also community concern regarding the possible role of aluminium in neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's disease. This paper reviews the importance of alum adjuvant in human vaccination, explores future directions of adjuvants development and examines some of the impediments and barriers to development and registration of new human adjuvants.

Keywords

Alum, Human Vaccination

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