Cellular mechanisms of specific immunostimulation.

The mechanisms of action of immunological adjuvants at the cellular and pharmacological level are reviewed. Many adjuvants cause the accumulation of lymphocytes in the draining lymph node, lymphocyte trapping. The possible role of complement activation by adjuvants, leading to prostaglandin E2 release, in this process is discussed. Adjuvants show selective activity with different antigens, and may stimulate different components of the immune response. These effects have not yet been explained at the cellular level. Current studies of the cellular basis of adjuvant action indicate that many different adjuvants act through the macrophage of helper T lymphocyte, and there is limited evidence for effects on suppressor cells or B lymphocytes.