 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Two central factors involved in the mechanisms of action for adjuvants in enhancing the immunogenicity of an antigen include T-cell proliferation and activation, as well as antigen-presenting cell (APC) mobilization and activation. Importantly, both T-cells and APCs (dendritic cells and Langerhans’ cells) have been found to express the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1-R).
Antigens, depending on their chemical nature, are processed by different pathways within the immune system and this phenomenon may underlay Homspera’s adjuvant activity. Intracellular pathogens, such as viruses and some bacteria, replicate within the cellular cytoplasm and are processed and presented by MHC class I molecules (present on nearly all cells in the body) to CD8+ T-cells. Pathogens processed via this pathway typically induce the TH1-associated, cell-mediated immune response that is marked by IFN-γ release. Alternatively, antigens such as bacteria and proteins from extracellular pathogens are taken up (mostly by phagocytic macrophages and B cells of the hematopoietic system) into endocytic vesicles that fuse intracellularly with endosomes and lysosomes enabling antigen digestion. The resulting antigen-derived immunogens are subsequently processed and presented by MHC class II molecules to CD4+ T cells. Pathogens processed via this pathway typically induce the TH2-mediated, humoral immune response that is marked by interleukin-4 (IL-4) release.
Picture adapted from http://www.bdbiosciences.ca/pdfs/pint_support/Th1-Th2_Pathway.pdf
Homspera induces TH1 and TH2-mediated responses
