In: Biology
In the early 1700's Edward Jenner demonstrated and was credited with the concept of vaccination. the theory/mechanism surrounding how the immunity to smallpox was achieved is referred to as "cross reactivity. Explain why we don't see much of this anymore or why it might not be exploited more.
Edward Jenner used cowpox virus for immunization. He used cowpox virus thinking that that virus would share some of its surface antigens with small pox virus. Thus, a virus from other species might not cause disease in human but it would cause immunogenicity in human. Thus, human who were immunised with cowpox virus, would generate antibodies against antigens. Cross reactivity is achieved by this.
But, this process is not used nowadays because organisms from other species may cause harm human. Organisms may cause disease in human also.
Other causes are following:
Heat-inactivated or Live-attenuated vaccines are used nowadays.
Conjugate vaccine, Subunit vaccine are also available in market.
DNA vaccines and Recombinant vector vaccines are new generation vaccines.
Passive vaccination process by injecting antibodies in human is also available.
Thus, these different approaches are available today. These processes are used so that they cause least harm to humans and humans get maximum immunogenicity against different organisms.