Title: Assays for relevant human immune responses.

POPLINE Document Number: 075894

Author(s):

Basten A
Cekan S
Grau G
Loblay R

Source citation:

In: Vaccines for fertility regulation: the assessment of their safety and efficacy. Proceedings of a Symposium on Assessing the Safety and Efficacy of Vaccines to Regulate Fertility, convened by the WHO Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, Geneva, June 1989, edited by G.L. Ada, P.D. Griffin. Cambridge, England, Cambridge University Press, 1991. :75-93. (Scientific Basis of Fertility Regulation)

Abstract:

The body of this review is a systematic outline of routine and experimental laboratory tests of the human immune response, framed by a description of the types of tests that will probably be needed for assessment of a human antifertility vaccine. In contrast to testing for the function of lifetime B and T memory cells, as would be done in developing a vaccine against infectious disease, the WHO Task Force on Vaccines for Fertility Regulation is envisioning a unique temporary vaccine that will be unable to recognize the natural antigen when the woman wishes to conceive. There are several disorders of the immune system which may be judged contraindications for receiving an antifertility vaccine, including immunodeficiency, hypersensitivity, autoimmune and allergic diseases, infections, and neoplasms of the immune system. The types of tests available to monitor immune function can be categorized as those measuring humoral and cell-mediated immunity. Humoral immunity involves specific antibodies, which can be measured qualitatively by at least 11 types of tests. The most practical of these is probably the ELISA. Methods of arriving at quantitative data from these tests are briefly described. There are also screening tests for allergy, autoantibodies, complement, and HLA typing. Some of the tests of cell-mediated immunity are skin testing, T-cell subsets, T-cell mitogenic response, and research laboratory tests for cytokine levels and cytotoxicity. During preregistration vaccine development, as well as throughout postregistration surveillance, tests will be needed that are rapid, robust, easily performed and read, inexpensive, and heat stable. The tests should have high sensitivity, require simple equipment, and need only a few microliters of blood. HIV testing is prompting rapid developments in this field.

Keywords:

Clinical Research
Human Volunteers
Laboratory Procedures
Recommendations
Biological Characteristics
Immunological Effects
Immunoglobulin Alterations
Immunity, Active
Vaccines
Immunity, Cellular
Antibodies
Autoantibodies
Antigen-Antibody Reactions
Neoplasms
Allergic Reaction
Contraception, Immunological
Contraception Research
Infections
Diseases
HIV Infections
Research Methodology
Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses
Examinations and Diagnoses
Biology
Immunity
Immune System
Physiology
Hematological Effects
Hemic System
Immunologic Factors
Signs and Symptoms
Contraception
Family Planning
Viral Diseases