Animal Health Research Reviews

Table of Contents - 2004 - Volume 5, Issue 02  

Research Article

Advances in mucosal vaccination

Els N. T. Meeusena1 c1, Jean-Pierre Y. Scheerlincka1, Sean Wattegederaa2 and Gary Entricana2

a1 Centre for Animal Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Australia

a2 Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Edinburgh, UK

Abstract

Pathogens that enter the body via mucosal surfaces face unique defense mechanisms that combine the innate barrier provided by the mucus layer with an adaptive response typified by the production and transepithelial secretion of pathogen-specific IgA. Both the measurement and induction of mucosal responses pose significant challenges for experimental and practical application and may need to be adapted to the species under study. In particular, for livestock, immunization procedures developed in small rodent models are not always effective in large animals or compatible with management practices. This paper reviews the latest advances in our understanding of the processes that lead to secretory IgA responses and how this relates to the development of mucosal immunization procedures and adjuvants for veterinary vaccines. In addition, it highlights the complex interactions that can take place between the pathogen and the host's immune response, with specific reference to Chlamydia/Chlamydophila infections in sheep.

Keywords

Correspondence:

c1 *Centre for Animal Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia

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