Table 1 Specific mechanisms relating to the adjuvant properties of aluminum compounds [28]
Mechanism | Characteristics |
|---|---|
Depot effect | Alum-induced consolidation of the desired antigen at the injection site results in slow release of the antigen to antigen-presenting cells for an extended period of time |
Activation of DCs by lipid sorting | Aluminum salts induce activation of DCs and complement components, and increase the level of chemokine secretion in the injection site. Aluminum-based salts firmly bind to and alter the structure of lipids in the plasma membrane of DCs |
NLRP3 inflammasome-independent DC activation | Membrane proximal events unrelated to the NLRP3 inflammasome are sufficient to mediate DC activation in response to alum |
Augmentation of adjuvant properties of alum by uric acid | Increase in uric acid mediates upregulation of MHC class II in monocytes via an IL-4 dependent mechanism |
Host cell DNA | The host cell DNA can enhance the adjuvant properties of alum |
Alum-dependent increase in IgE levels | Promotes allergy |
Amyloid plaque formation | Alum promotes the formation of amyloid plaques by catalyzingpolymerization of β-amyloid |
Increased Tau protein | Alum may increase the levels of Tau protein |