| Summary: | For many years, a small group of research workers worldwide has been responsible for the development of adjuvants or immunoprotectors for use in experimental vaccines and in the routine production of antisera. Adjuvants interact with cells of the immune system and trigger a number of biological effects, some of which are desirable and some less so. There is a need to keep the latter under control, although it is doubtful if there is such a thing as an innocuous adjuvant. Studies have also included such problems as isolation, preparation, dose responses, adverse reactions and practical applications. Much of this information is spread throughout the literature over the last 25 years, and this book aims, therefore, to bring the information together through contributions from a group of internationally renowned scientists. This book deals with the well-documented adjuvant or immuno-potentiating preparations which have been developed by leading groups throughout the world. Among others these preparations include: aluminum absorbents; black copolymers; Freund's complete and incomplete adjuvants; muramyl dipeptide and its synthetic derivatives; ISCOMs; lipid A; liposomes; and saponins. The benefits and pitfalls associated with the use of each of these different adjuvants are described which will help to prevent their misuse in laboratory studies and the potential use of adjuvants in AIDS vaccines is also covered. The book also aims to provide a source of practical hints for and uses by immunologists, microbiologists, parasitologists and vaccinologists. In addition those interested in developing new adjuvant preparations, either natural or synthetic, will find details within the book on the types of assay required to authenticate an adjuvant effect. The book may also enable regulatory bodies to assess the validity of tests for a variety of possible contraindications associated with the more reactive preparations when formulating quality control regulations.
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