Introduction

The development of vaccines is one of the greatest achievements in medical history, allowing us to triumph over some of humanity's worst scourges. In the 200 years since Edward Jenner's first discovery, vaccination has controlled such diseases as smallpox, diphtheria, tetanus, yellow fever, pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b disease, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, and rubella in most parts of the world. Major advances also have been made against influenza, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, varicella, and pneumococcal and meningococcal infections, but there are still ample opportunities.

Expanding the scope of prevention

Recent advances in technology, such as novel adjuvants and delivery systems, may lead to next-generation vaccines that control and even eliminate diseases for which a vaccine has not previously been available. Importantly, advancements in technology extend to noninfectious serious diseases such as autoimmune disease and cancer. Accelerating development of these breakthroughs with highly immunogenic vaccines is becoming a possibility with significant engineering discoveries.

A new era in vaccine development

During the past 20 years, the technologies applied to vaccine development have radically changed, from using the pathogen itself to harnessing the development of a variety of scientific disciplines to use new forms of antigens (such as the gene encoding an antigen), novel adjuvants, and new delivery systems. We are truly entering a new era in vaccine advancements. The continuing evolution of technologies will enable the development of novel vaccines and the expansion of strategies available to develop new vaccines in the future. Some examples of next-generation vaccines may include influenza, Alzheimer's disease, and HIV.

Adjuvants: A Review >>

While the standard aluminum salt adjuvants have been proven safe and efficient, novel adjuvants are on the horizon. Learn more about oil emulsions, microbial derivatives, liposomes, and how the adjuvant landscape is helping to advance vaccine development.

Stimulating Innate and Adaptive Immunity >>

Vaccine research has primarily been focused on finding protective antigens and different ways to present them to the body. Now it is known that a stronger initial innate response can generate a more robust and longer-lasting adaptive immune response, which can magnify the role of vaccination in medical practice.

Mucosal Immunity and Vaccine Development >>

Mucosal immunity is a major area of vaccine development because many pathogens enter the body through mucous membranes. Read about targeting the mucosa and how it can effectively stop infections before they have a chance to enter the body.

Antigen-Sparing Adjuvants >>

New technology has allowed the immunization community to move beyond the antigen in the production of adjuvants. Read about the advantages of an antigen-sparing adjuvant and the critical role this advancement can play in prevention of disease both domestically and internationally. 

Source

http://www.medscape.com/infosite/vaccineadvances/article-1

http://www.vaccineadvances.com/adjuvant_system_technology/adjuvant_system_technology.html?p=1