[Iscom (Immuno Stimulating Complex)-vaccine of equine influenza virus--transmission electron microscopic investigation and literature review].
Vaccines on the base of immunostimulating complexes are very rare in human and veterinary practice. Until now, Iscom vaccines mainly have been developed for scientific experimental investigations. Synthesis and preparation of Iscom vaccines, mainly basing on the reviewed literature, as well as electron microscopical investigations of Iscom structures and the monitoring of vaccine fractions of Iscoms are described. The equine influenza Iscom vaccine, developed by the Mallinckrodt Veterinary GmbH, is one of the first commercial Iscom vaccine used in veterinary medicine. In comparison with other commercially used vaccines, depending on the high level of antigen presentation of Iscom structures, a ten times higher antibody response is to be expected by the use of Iscom vaccines.