Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
13
Antibodies, vaccines and adjuvants
13.1 Introduction
Few substances have had a greater positive impact upon human healthcare management than
antibodies, vaccines and adjuvants. For most of this century, these immunological agents have
enjoyed widespread medical application, predominantly for the treatment/prevention of infectious
diseases. As a group, they are often referred to as 'biologics' (Chapter 1).
Polyclonal antibody preparations have been used to induce passive immunity against a range of
foreign (harmful) agents, and vaccines are used effi ciently, and safely, to promote active immuni-
zation. Adjuvants are usually co-administered with the vaccine preparation, in order to enhance
the immune response against the vaccine.
The development of modern biotechnological methodology has had a signifi cant impact upon
the therapeutic application of immunological agents, as discussed later. Monoclonal/engineered
antibodies fi nd a range of therapeutic uses, and many of the newer vaccine preparations are now
produced by recombinant DNA technology. This chapter focuses predominantly upon those mod-
ern biotech products. Many currently used products, however, are still produced by more tradi-
tional means, and these, too, are also considered, in summary at least.
13.2 Traditional polyclonal antibody preparations
Polyclonal antibody preparations have been used for several decades to induce passive immu-
nization against infectious diseases and other harmful agents, particularly toxins. The antibody
preparations are usually administered by direct i.v. injection. While this affords immediate im-
munological protection, its effect is transitory, usually persisting for only 2-3 weeks (i.e. until
the antibodies are excreted). Passive immunization can be used prophylactically (i.e. to prevent
a future medical episode) or therapeutically (i.e. to treat a medical condition that is already es-
tablished). An example of the former would be prior administration of a specifi c anti-snake toxin
antibody preparation to an individual before they travel to a world region in which these snakes are
commonly found. An example of the latter would be administration of the anti-venom antibody
immediately after the individual has experienced a snake bite.
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