Immunology Review/Refresher with Einphasis on Vaccinology

Abstract

Vaccinology involves the preparation and testing of vaccines, the animal's immune response to the vaccine and the outcome against a challenge. This area of veterinary medicine, which offers great promise, is misused, abused and often expected to cure the impossible. Unfortunately, there is no "magic bullet" and the myths of vaccinology outweigh the reality.

Our understanding of the immune response has been greatly expanded in the last 10 years. Terms such as "danger signals" and "dendritic cells" were unknown in vaccinology until the last 5-6 years. In this vaccinology review, I will emphasize the primary immune response and its importance for setting up the long-term memory and duration of immunity.