20. Immunoprophylaxis and immunotherapy. Vaccines and sera. Immunomodulation.

Immuno-prophylaxis and Immunotherapy

• Immuno-prophylaxis is the prevention of disease using active or passive immunity. Its purpose is to induce immunity and protect individuals from future infections or diseases. It can be achieved through vaccines or immunological agents.
• Immunotherapy involves treatment using immunological agents to treat diseases. This can include monoclonal antibodies, cytokine therapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. It is also defined as a form of cancer treatment that boosts the immune system to fight cancer. Mechanisms can include injecting monoclonal antibodies, interferon (like interferon alpha), or interleukins (like IL-2).

Passive Immunity/Immunization

• Passive immunity is the transfer of active immunity, in the form of ready-made antibodies, or pre-synthesized elements of the immune system, transferred to a person so the body does not need to produce these elements itself.
• This method works quickly but does not last long because the antibodies are naturally broken down, and there are no memory B cells to produce more.
• Passive immunization can occur naturally when antibodies are transferred from mother to fetus during pregnancy or via milk.
• Artificial passive immunization is normally administered by injection.
• Examples include the injection of purified antibody or antibody-containing serum or Immune Sera and Antibody-Containing Preparations, which are preparations containing antibodies derived from the blood of immunized animals or humans.
• Types of immune sera include Antitoxic Sera (neutralizing bacterial toxins), Antibacterial Sera (neutralizing bacteria), and Antiviral Sera (neutralizing viruses). Gamma Globulins are broad-spectrum antibody preparations.
• Hyperimmune sera or hyperimmune globulins are examples of passive immunity. Hyperimmune globulin is prepared from the plasma of donors with high titers of antibodies against a specific organism or antigen. Available hyperimmune globulins include those for Hep B, rabies, and tetanus.
• Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs) can also be used for passive immunity. They are laboratory-made antibodies designed to target specific pathogens or tumor markers.