Previous studies have demonstrated eradication of small (4-8 mm) established murine MCA207 sarcomas by treatment with systemic IL-12. Analysis of the mechanism has revealed a cellular and molecular immune response at the tumor typical of a Th1 cell-mediated, macrophage-effected, delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response. In the current study we investigate the immune response against long te...

BACKGROUND Administration of multiple simultaneous vaccines to infants, children, and military recruits is not uncommon. However, little research exists to examine associated serological and health effects, especially in adults. METHOD We retrospectively examined 416 paired serum specimens from U.S. military subjects who had received the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) alone or in combination...

The delineation of the molecular basis of cancer in general, allows for the possibility of specific intervention at the molecular level for therapeutic purposes. To this end, three main approaches have been developed: mutation compensation, molecular chemotherapy, and genetic immunopotentiation. The strategy of mutation compensation aims to correct the specific genetic defects in cancer cells. ...

Nigella sativa (N. sativa) (Family Ranunculaceae) have been used for thousands of years as a curative remedy for various disorders. N. sativa seed reveal a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities including immunopotentiation and antihistaminic, antidiabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. It is known as a source of thymoquinone, thymohydroquinone, dithy...

Combined administration of a vaccine consisting of a small number (2 X 10(6)) of L1210 murine leukemic cells treated with glutaraldehyde and concanavalin A and a protein-bound polysaccharide preparation of Coriolus versicolor induced synergistic resistance to L1210 leukemia in BALB/c X DBA/2CrF1 mice. This effect was dependent on the dose and timing of the administration of the protein-bound po...

OCT, a non-calcemic analogue of 1,25(OH)2D3 has been found to have a more potent activity than that of 1,25(OH)2D3 regarding cell differentiation and immunopotentiation activity, and to prolong the average life span of MRL/l mice. Recently, we found that OCT effectively suppressed the secretion and synthesis of PTH without inducing hypercalcemia. In primary cultures of bovine parathyroid cells,...

Adjuvants such as the aluminum compounds (alum) have been dominantly used in many vaccines due to their immunopotentiation and safety records since 1920s. However, how these mineral agents influence the immune response to vaccination remains elusive. Many hypotheses exist as to the mode of action of these adjuvants, such as depot formation, antigen (Ag) targeting, and the induction of inflammat...

There is increasing evidence that chronic, subclinical exposure to certain environmental pollutants may upset immune responsiveness and alter susceptibility of animals to infectious agents. Environmental chemicals or drugs may affect diverse aspects of the immune system, leading to immunosuppression, immunopotentiation, hypersensitivity or perturbed innate host resistance. A variety of infectio...