Impfstoffadjuvantien

Impfstoffadjuvantien are substances added to vaccines to enhance their effectiveness and safety. They are not the active ingredient that stimulates the immune response but rather act as helpers. Adjuvantien can be classified into two main types: immune stimulants and immune modulators. Immune stimulants, such as aluminum salts, are used to boost the immune response to the vaccine. Immune modulators, like monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) and saponins, help to direct the immune response towards a specific type of immune cell, such as T cells or B cells.

The use of adjuvantien in vaccines has been a subject of debate. Proponents argue that they are necessary to enhance the immune response, especially in the case of weak or poorly immunogenic antigens. Critics, however, raise concerns about potential side effects, such as increased inflammation or the development of autoimmune diseases. Additionally, some adjuvantien have been linked to the development of adverse events following immunization (AEFIs), which are unexpected and unintended reactions to vaccines.

The choice of adjuvant depends on the type of vaccine and the target population. For example, aluminum salts are commonly used in inactivated vaccines, while MPL is used in some subunit vaccines. The development of new adjuvantien and the optimization of existing ones are ongoing areas of research in the field of vaccinology.