Image Number 19 for United States Patent #5518725.
The invention relates to a vaccine which comprises an antigen and a lymphoid organ modifying agent. Suitable lymphoid organ modifying agents include 1,25-dihydroxy Vitamin D.sub.3, biologically active Vitamin D.sub.3 derivatives which are capable of activating the intracellular Vitamin D.sub.3 receptor, all trans-retinoic acid, retinoic acid derivatives, retinol, retinol derivatives and glucocorticoid. The vaccine composition may further comprise an immune response augmenting agent which enhances T cell lymphokine production. Suitable immune response augmenting agents include dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA-derivatives. Examples of DHEA derivatives include DHEA-sulfate (DHEA-S), 16-.alpha.-bromo-DHEA, 7-oxo-DHEA, 16-.alpha.-Br-DHEA-S and 7-oxo-DHEA-S. The invention also relates to a method for inducing an antigen-specific mucosal immune response in a vertebrate animal which comprises administering a vaccine which comprises an antigen and a lymphoid organ modifying agent with or without an immune response augmenting agent to a site which drains into a peripheral lymphoid compartment.
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