Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
08:52
Evaluation of Host-Pathogen Responses and Vaccine Efficacy in Mice
Published on: February 22, 2019
Overview of vaccines
1Division of Cell Biology, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
Methods in Molecular Medicine
|March 2, 2011
Summary
Most vaccines prevent disease by stimulating immunity. Researchers are exploring therapeutic vaccines to treat existing infections, contrasting with traditional prophylactic approaches.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Traditional vaccines act prophylactically, preventing disease by priming the immune system.
- There is growing interest in developing therapeutic vaccines for existing infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the concept and potential of therapeutic vaccines.
- To differentiate between prophylactic and therapeutic vaccination strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing vaccination principles.
- Analysis of contrasting infectious processes.
Main Results:
- Prophylactic vaccines aim to prevent infection entirely.
- Therapeutic vaccines aim to manage or reduce disease in already infected individuals.
Conclusions:
- Vaccine development is expanding beyond prevention to include treatment.
- Understanding infectious processes is key to designing effective therapeutic vaccines.
Related Concept Videos
01:51Vaccinations
Overview
01:21Vaccines
Vaccines are among the most effective tools in preventive medicine, designed to prepare the immune system to recognize and combat infectious agents. By introducing antigens—substances that the immune system identifies as foreign—vaccines stimulate an adaptive immune response that leads to immunological memory. This immunological memory enables the body to mount a faster and more effective response upon future exposures to the actual pathogen.Vaccines can be categorized based on the type of...
01:30Cancer Vaccines
Cancer treatment vaccines are a rapidly evolving field that offers a promising approach to immunotherapy. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent diseases, cancer treatment vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
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...
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...
01:23Vaccine Production
Vaccine production involves a sequence of upstream and downstream processes to generate a safe and effective immunological product. It begins with cultivating microorganisms, such as viruses or bacteria, to obtain antigenic material. For viral vaccines, mammalian host cells are grown in bioreactors and subsequently infected with the target virus. The virus replicates within the host cells, which are lysed to release viral particles. This lysate is then clarified through filtration or...
01:24Smallpox
Smallpox is a severe contagious disease caused by the Variola major virus, a double-stranded DNA member of the Poxviridae family.Variola major transmission occurs primarily via inhalation of virus-laden droplets or direct contact with infectious scabs. The incubation period averages approximately seven days, although it may range from 7 to 17 days depending on the inoculum and host factors.Clinically, the prodromal phase is marked by an abrupt onset of high fever, malaise, headache, and myalgia.
01:29Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.