Defence by diversity

Article Abstract:

There is new evidence to support a pathogen-driven theory for variation, or polymorphism, of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). It has been established that the common MHC class I type HLA-A*02 is linked with a higher than two-fold reduction in the risk of disease induced by human T-lymphotropic virus-1. Other research in this area has shown that Americans who are heterozygous for HLA-A, -B or -C antigens are protected against rapid progression of AIDS following infection with the human immunodeficiency virus-1.

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Fusion potential for vaccines

Article Abstract:

A novel and effective fusion protein vaccine has been produced which combines a well-characterized tumor-specific antigen and a cytokine that enhances accessory cell function. The vaccine is based on the knowledge that cytokines potentiate antigen presentation. This is important in certain types of cancers which present tumor-specific or tumor-associated antigens, but nevertheless remain unrecognized by the body's immune system.

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Vaccines against intracellular infections requiring cellular immunity

Article Abstract:

The mechanisms for maintaining long-lived cellular immune responses in vivo are explained and the state of current vaccine research is discussed, focusing on vaccines that induce strong cellular immune responses.

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