Using vaccinations to assess in vivo immune function in psychoneuroimmunology

Abstract

Finding clinically relevant measures of immune function is an important challenge in psychoneuroimmunological research. Here, we discuss the advantages of the vaccination model, and provide guidance on the methodological decisions that are important to consider in the use of this technique. These include the choice of vaccination, timing of assessments, and the available outcome measures. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.