Molecular adjuvants that modulate regulatory T cell function in vaccination: A critical appraisal

Author(s)

Batista-Duharte, Alexander ^[1] ; Tellez-Martinez, Damiana ^[1] ; Portuondo Fuentes, Deivys Leandro ^[1] ; Carlos, Iracilda Zeppone ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Sao Paulo State Univ, UNESP, Sch Pharmaceut Sci, Dept Clin Anal, Rodovia Araraquara Jau Km 1, BR-14800903 Araraquara, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH; v. 129, p. 237-250, MAR 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 7

Abstract

Adjuvants are substances used to enhance the efficacy of vaccines. They influence the magnitude and alter the quality of the adaptive immune response to vaccine antigens by amplifying or modulating different signals involved in the innate immune response. The majority of known adjuvants have been empirically identified. The limited immunogenicity of new vaccine antigens and the need for safer vaccines have increased the importance of identifying single, well-defined adjuvants with known cellular and molecular mechanisms for rational vaccine design. Depletion or functional inhibition of CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) by molecular adjuvants has become an emergent approach in this field. Different successful results have been obtained for specific vaccines, but there are still unresolved issues such as the risk of autoimmune disease induction, the involvement of cells other than Tregs and optimization for different conditions. This work provides a comprehensive analysis of current approaches to inhibit Tregs with molecular adjuvants for vaccine improvement, highlights the progress being made, and describes ongoing challenges. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/04250-0 - Role of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Regulatory T cells in the post-infection and post-vaccination immune response to Sporothrix schenckii
• Grantee: Alexander Batista Duharte
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral