Reverse vaccines: how they train the immune system
Reverse vaccines train the immune system to tolerate its own targets and avoid total immunosuppression. Initial trials in celiac disease and multiple sclerosis.
Reverse vaccines seek to deactivate the body's faulty response without shutting down all defenses. Academic teams and the biotechnology company Anokion are exploring their use in autoimmune disorders.
According to the Global Autoimmune Institute, between 5% and 10% of the world's population lives with autoimmune diseases. In these diseases, the immune system attacks its own tissues, as occurs in multiple sclerosis, celiac disease, type 1 diabetes , or lupus.
Unlike broad-spectrum immunosuppressive drugs, this approach attempts to teach tolerance to specific antigens associated with the disease. The goal is to preserve protection against infections while slowing autoimmune damage.

Immune Tolerance and proposed mechanism
The formulations present the immune system with fragments of its own proteins attached to platforms designed to generate tolerance. By "learning" that the target is not dangerous, the body reduces its attack on healthy tissues.
Celiac Disease and Early Signs
Anokion reported initial trials for celiac disease with promising results, according to information reported by specialized media. The goal is to reduce the reaction to gluten without blocking all immunity.
Multiple Sclerosis and clinical phase
In multiple sclerosis, encouraging clinical responses were also observed in early stages, according to The Guardian. One researcher described the data as generating great enthusiasm among the scientific team.
Autoimmunity and health outcomes
The burden of these conditions is high due to their chronicity and associated complications. Selective therapies such as reverse inoculations aim to improve quality of life and reduce adverse events associated with general immunosuppression .
Development, risks and next steps
As with any biotech candidate, safety, duration of effect, and large-scale reproducibility remain to be validated. Journalistic estimates suggest a three- to five- year timeframe for broader use, subject to results and regulation.

Reverse vaccinations and clinical follow-up
The teams monitor immunological markers and symptoms to confirm sustained tolerance. They are also studying whether the approach could moderate immune-mediated food and environmental allergies.