Abstract: Infectious agents contribute to the environmental factors involved in the development of autoimmune diseases possibly through molecular mimicry mechanisms. Hence, it is feasible that vaccinations may also contribute to the mosaic of autoimmunity. Evidence for the association of vaccinations and the development of these diseases is presented in this review. Infrequently reported post-vaccination autoimmune diseases include systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory myopathies, multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and vasculitis. In addition, we will discuss macrophagic myofasciitis, aluminum containing vaccines, and the recent evidence for autoimmunity following human papilloma virus vaccine. ... Read more

Abstract: The clearly defined causation by papillomavirus (HPV) and precursor lesions of cervical cancer have made this cancer largely preventable through Pap screening programs, and now by vaccination with Gardasil. This represents an important public health success story and here the authors summarize the potential impact of preventive HPV vaccination and some of the outstanding questions. ... Read more

Abstract: DNA vaccines generate both T cell and B cell (or antibody) mediated immunities. Methods such as prime-boost regimens and the use of adjuvants in combination with the DNA vaccine have enhanced the therapeutic effectiveness of DNA vaccines in the treatment of cancer, infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, asthma, and other conditions. ... Read more

Abstract: Prion diseases are a group of fatal neurodegenerative conditions that affect humans and a wide variety of animals. To date there is no therapeutic or prophylactic approach against prion diseases available. The causative infectious agent is the prion, also termed PrP^Sc, which is a pathological conformer of the cellular prion protein PrP^c. As passive immunization studies with PrP^c-specific antibodies indicated that immunotherapeutic strategies can prevent prion replication, researchers are now aiming at the development of active prion vaccines. ... Read more

Abstract: Widely used TB vaccine BCG protects children from TB much more effectively than adults. The reason: prior to BCG vaccination, many adults were exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis or atypical mycobacterium species such as M. avium and subsequently developed variable levels of cross-immunity against the BCG. For protecting the adult population, a genetically modified BCG vaccine should be explored. ... Read more

Abstract: There have been violent influenza outbreaks in poultry in recent years, mostly in Asia. A small number of humans were infected, but the virus was apparently not able to be transmitted from human to human. The worry is that as the viruses keep changing their chances improve. ... Read more

Abstract: The influenza virus genome has an uncanny ability to mutate. Changes in the genome will bring about random changes in structures of viral proteins (antigens) and hence the "antigenic drift." Physicians and scientists have been chasing them following the traces they left behind - the antibodies in the blood serum. By mapping the drift course, we may know where the antigens are headed next. ... Read more

Wyeth said on November 19, 2002 that it is going to discontinue the production of FluShield and Pnu-Imune, two injectable vaccines against flu and pneumonia, respectively. Instead, Wyeth is pinning its hope on FluMist, an inhaled live, attenuated flu vaccine it is co-developing with MedImmune (Gaithursburg, Maryland).

A vaccine that can be taken by inhalation would appeal to many due to the obvious ease of administration. In addition, no trained personnel are required for the administration. Collectively, the inhaled vaccine should attract more people to get vaccinated.

Wyeth and MedImmune expect FluMist will be approved in time for next year’s flu season. ... Read more