Key roles of adjuvants in modern vaccines

TLDR: The potential benefits and importance of formulation and mechanisms of action of adjuvants are outlined and safety considerations are emphasized in the clinical development of effective adjuvant that will help facilitate effective next-generation vaccines against devastating infectious diseases.

Abstract: Vaccines containing novel adjuvant formulations are increasingly reaching advanced development and licensing stages, providing new tools to fill previously unmet clinical needs. However, many adjuvants fail during product development owing to factors such as manufacturability, stability, lack of effectiveness, unacceptable levels of tolerability or safety concerns. This Review outlines the potential benefits of adjuvants in current and future vaccines and describes the importance of formulation and mechanisms of action of adjuvants. Moreover, we emphasize safety considerations and other crucial aspects in the clinical development of effective adjuvants that will help facilitate effective next-generation vaccines against devastating infectious diseases.