ISCOM™-based vaccines: The second decade

Abstract

The immunostimulating complex or 'iscom' was first described 20 years ago as an antigen delivery system with powerful immunostimulating activity. Iscoms are cage-like structures, typically 40 nm in diameter, that are comprised of antigen, cholesterol, phospholipid and saponin. ISCOM™-based vaccines have been shown to promote both antibody and cellular immune responses in a variety of experimental animal models. This review focuses on the evaluation of ISCOM™-based vaccines in animals over the past 10 years, as well as examining the progress that has been achieved in the development of human vaccines based on ISCOM™ adjuvant technology. © 2005 Australasian Society for Immunology Inc.