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

Aluminum compounds such as aluminum hydroxide and aluminum phosphate are widely used as adjuvants in human vaccinations. But these adjuvants primarily guide the immune responses to a T helper type 2 cell-mediated immunity, namely, the production of cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-5 and consequently the generation of immunoglobulins G1 and E. These adjuvants are weak in inducing cytotoxic T cell responses if at all. Traditional vaccine adjuvants are designed for antibody production and mainly for the purpose of neutralizing extracellular pathogens, but are otherwise less effective in pursuing pathogens inside cells such as viruses (when they are inside the ... Read more