Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Intralymphatic Immunotherapy and Vaccination in Mice
Published on: February 2, 2014
Type I interferons as vaccine adjuvants against infectious diseases and cancer
Laura Bracci1, Valentina La Sorsa, Filippo Belardelli
1Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy. laura.bracci@iss.it
Abstract:
Presently, new attention is given to type I interferons (IFNs) as essential factors linking innate and adaptive immunity. Several studies provided evidence about the importance of IFN-alpha in the differentiation of the Th1 subset, in the generation and activity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, in the enhancement of a primary antibody response and in the activation of dendritic cells. Owing to their immunomodulatory properties, type I IFNs can represent good candidates to be used as adjuvants for vaccination. In the present review, we summarize recent studies in humans and in animal models, suggesting a possible application of type I IFNs as adjuvants for the development of more effective vaccines against infectious diseases and cancer.
Related Concept Videos
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Cancer Vaccines
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
Tumor Immunotherapy
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease
Vaccinations

