Type I interferons as vaccine adjuvants against infectious diseases and cancer

Abstract

Presently, new attention is given to type I interferons (IFNs) as essential factors linking innate and adaptive immunity. Several studies provided evidence about the importance of IFN-α in the differentiation of the Th1 subset, in the generation and activity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, in the enhancement of a primary antibody response and in the activation of dendritic cells. Owing to their immunomodulatory properties, type I IFNs can represent good candidates to be used as adjuvants for vaccination. In the present review, we summarize recent studies in humans and in animal models, suggesting a possible application of type I IFNs as adjuvants for the development of more effective vaccines against infectious diseases and cancer.

Keywords::

• adjuvant
• dendritic cell
• Toll-like receptor
• type I IFN
• vaccine

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.