Tularemia live vaccine as a modifier of genotoxic and carcinogenic action of environmental factors

In this review we presented the data concerning the influence of tularemia live vaccine (TLV, produced in the USSR and Russia) on mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. The data show that rodents immunized with TLV are resistant to mutagen of any origin (chemical, physical, biological) independently of species (rats, mice, gray hamsters, guinea pigs). Exposure of immunized rodents to carcinogens decreased the incidence of tumors, prolonged the mean latency period of tumor development, and decreased the mean tumor weight. The most pronounced effect was observed when rodents were exposed to mutagens/carcinogens on day 15 after immunization. This universal antimutagenic/anticarcinogenic effect is associated with increased resistance of DNA of immunized rodents to genotoxic action of environmental agents, the influence on the process of metabolic activation of xenobiotics, and increased synthesis of interferon, catalase and superoxide dismutase. The problem of influence of vaccines against dangerous infections on mutagenesis and carcinogenesis is a topical issue because the best way of protection against dangerous infections in case of epidemic or terrorist act is vaccination.