Vaccine Adjuvants and Autoimmune Diseases in Children

This research investigates the potential association between vaccine adjuvants and the development of autoimmune chronic diseases in children. The focus is on understanding how adjuvants, which are added to vaccines to enhance the immune response, might influence the onset of autoimmune conditions such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and celiac disease in pediatric populations. The investigation aims to explore the mechanisms by which adjuvants like aluminum salts and oil-in-water emulsions could affect the immune system, potentially leading to dysregulation and chronic autoimmunity. Key areas of interest include the immunological pathways activated by adjuvants, genetic predispositions that may exacerbate risks, and the timing and dosage of adjuvant exposure in early childhood. The research seeks to synthesize findings from immunology, pediatrics, and epidemiology to understand the complex interactions between vaccine adjuvants and autoimmune disease development, providing insights into safer vaccine formulations and administration strategies for children.