Toxoid

Toxoid is an inactivated toxin. This means the toxicity of the toxin is suppressed by heat or chemical treatments. However, the immunogenicity of the toxin is maintained. Therefore, toxoids are the altered form of toxins produced and secreted by bacteria. After vaccination with toxoids, our body mounts an immune response and generates immunological memory against toxoids. For example, there are toxoids against diphtheria, tetanus, and botulism. Further, toxoids are important as vaccines, inducing immune responses against the original toxin. Therefore, injecting toxoids as vaccines is a type of active immunity.

Moreover, another important feature of toxoid is that it is used for long-term immunity.