Abstract: A modulated immune response to an antigen is achieved by coadministering the antigen and a genetically-detoxified pertussis holotoxin, particularly one retaining its immunogenicity, to a host. The modulated immune response enables immunogenic compositions, including multivalent pediatric vaccines such as DTP, to be provided which produce a modulated immune response in the absence of extrinsic adjuvants such as alum. The adjuvanting effect achieved by the genetically-detoxified pertussis holotoxin enables at least the same level of adjuvanting effect to be achieved as previously attained by alum, without the undesirable side effects thereof.

Abstract: A modulated immune response to an antigen is achieved by coadministering the antigen and a genetically-detoxified pertussis holotoxin, particularly one retaining its immunogenicity, to a host. The modulated immune response enables immunogenic compositions, including multivalent pediatric vaccines, such as DTP, to be provided which produce a modulated immune response in the absence of extrinsic adjuvants, such as alum. The adjuvanting effect achieved by the genetically-detoxified pertussis holotoxin enables at least the same level of adjuvanting effect to be achieved as previously attained by alum, without the undesirable side effects thereof.