Immunostimulatory complexes

In addition to the immunostimulatory substances discussed above, the adjuvanticity of a variety of other substances is also being appraised. These include saponins, liposomes and immunostimulatory complexes (ISCOMS). 

Hu, K. F., Elvander, M., Merza, M., Akerblom, L., BrAndenburg, A., and Morein, B. (1998), The immunostimulatory complex (ISCOM) is an efficient mucosal delivery system for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) envelope antigens inducing high local and systemic antibody responses, Clin. Exp. Immunol., 113, 235-243. 

Iscomatrix Immunostimulatory complex of a purified saponin fraction, cholesterol and phospholipid, which under defined conditions form cage-like structures typically 40 nm in diameter. The principal advantage of this combination is the reduction of toxicity of saponin component. Iscomatrix particulate vaccines are likely to be phagocytosed by macophages and induce cytokines such as IL-12 and IFN-y. They have a significant potential in cancer vaccine development [79]. 

Thus, the potent immunostimulatory ability of LPS results not only in its severe toxicity, but also in its potential utility as a therapeutic agent. The interactions between LPS and the immune system are complex, and there is continued research aimed at unraveling the signaling pathways responsible for the inflammatory and anti-tumor properties of LPS. 

Some mushroom polysaccharides or complexes of polysaccharide and proteins can stimulate nonspecific immunity and boost the host s defenses against tumors. Medicinal mushrooms have their history as immunostimulatory and immunomodulating therapeutics in the management of tumor, viral, and bacterial diseases but little is known on dietary intakes of commonly consumed mushrooms in association with... 

Saito,Y Higuchi,Y awakami,S Yamashita,F Hashida,M. (2009).Immunostimulatory Characteristics Induced by Linear Polyethyleneimine Plasmid DNA Complexes in Cultured Macrophages, Human Gene Therapy, 20, 137-145. 

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