The ‘Behind the Headlines’ service from NHS Choices has featured a quality assessment of press reports that ‘tiny capsules engineered to mimic part of the body’s immune system could strengthen its response to vaccines’ (as reported by the BBC; 23rd Jan 2012). 

The quality assessment discusses the study that the reports were based on (a laboratory and animal-based study).  The authors note that scientists developed tiny particles modelled on those released by a mast cell; when these were given to mice in combination with the flu vaccine, the particles enhanced the number and variety of antibodies made compared to when the flu vaccine was given alone.  When the mice were then exposed to flu, more of the mice who received the particles in combination with vaccine survived.

In their conclusion, the authors note that further laboratory research is needed before considering any trials in humans.  A number of other key issues will also need to be addressed, for example:

• Does the addition of these adjuvants prevent cases of the disease being vaccinated against?

• Does the addition of these adjuvants reduce the severity of cases?

• Does the addition of these adjuvants prevent deaths related to the disease being vaccinated against?

• Does the addition of adjuvants produce unacceptable side effects?

• Does the addition of these adjuvants affect factors such as the shelf-life of a vaccine?