SUBSTANTIALLY NON-TOXIC BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE MUCOSAL ADJUVANTS IN VERTEBRATE SUBJECTS

摘要

A method of eliciting an immune response against an antigen in a vertebrate subject, the method comprising the steps of providing an antigen-adjuvant composition comprising the antigen and a substantially non-toxic adjuvant molecule having biological activity in mucosal tissues, and administering sa id antigen-adjuvant composition to the vertebrate subject in a manner such that initial contact occurs in mucosal tissue of the vertebrate subject, whereby an immune response is elicited. Cytokines are preferred adjuvants. Preferred cytokines are interleukin-1.alpha. (IL-1.alpha.) and interleukin-1.beta. (IL - 1.beta.).