Immunotherapeutic and immunomodulatory potentials of Antigen-Antibody complex vaccines

Abstract

Immune system battles with deadly pathogens that mostly deteriorate health and cause morbidity and mortality. Antibodies are considered great players in the elimination of pathogens and hence, provide a shield against the future onset of various diseases. The immune complex, also known as an antigen–antibody (Ag-Ab) complex, exhibits the immunomodulatory potential leading to enhanced vaccine efficacy. A deeper understanding of Fc receptors (FcRs) and the interaction of the Fc part of an antibody with the different immune cells lead to in-depth knowledge of using this strategy for the development of immune complex vaccines. The concept of the Ag-Ab complex has been used in the prevention and therapy of various viral and bacterial diseases. Ag-Ab complex is gaining attention in COVID-19 vaccine development too, due to their greater immunoregulatory potential. The present literature highlights the importance of the Ag-Ab complex, the role of Fc receptors in immunomodulation, and their success as vaccines in viral and bacterial diseases of human and animal origin. Moreover, potential areas and lapses are explored to make better use of this prospect as a vaccine candidate. Studies revealed that the immunogenic and immunomodulatory potential of Ag-Ab complex can lead to greater protection. However, there is a dire need of establishing a link between laboratory and clinical findings to make it effective and safe tool for in vivo treatments.