What is the purpose of adjuvants in vaccines?

Adjuvants are substances that are added to vaccines with the primary purpose of enhancing the body's immune response to the vaccine. They work by stimulating the immune system, which can lead to a stronger and more effective response against the targeted pathogen. This enhanced response can help in generating higher levels of antibodies and memory cells, which are critical for long-term immunity.

The use of adjuvants allows for the development of vaccines that can provide adequate protection with fewer antigens, potentially improving vaccine efficacy without the need for a high concentration of the active ingredients. This is particularly important in the development of vaccines for pathogens that are difficult to immunize against or in situations where containing the vaccine cost is crucial.

The other answers might touch on aspects related to vaccines but do not address the direct role of adjuvants in fostering the immune response, which is their essential function.