Fighting infection using immunomodulatory agents

Abstract

The last decade has seen the emergence of immunomodulators as promising therapeutic agents in infectious diseases. A diverse array of recombinant, synthetic and natural immunomodulatory preparations for prophylaxis and treatment of various infections are available today. Some of these substances, such as granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), interferons, imiquimod and bacterial-derived preparations are already licensed for use in patients. Others including IL-12, various chemokines, synthetic cytosine phosphate-guanosine (CpG) oligodeoxynucleotides and glucans are being investigated extensively in clinical and preclinical studies. Immunomodulatory regimens offer an attractive approach as an adjunct modality for control of microbial diseases in the era of antibiotic resistance. Practical application of the advances in molecular biology, bioinformatics, genomic mining and high-throughput peptide synthesis should foster future discovery and development of novel immunomodulators contingent upon scientific evidence rather than dictates of discursive empiricism.

Intranasal treatment with a novel immunomodulator mediates innate immune protection against lethal pneumonia virus of mice

“…Immunomodulators are substances known to modify and correct the nature of host's immune responses [83][84][85]. These agents can be obtained from endogenous or exogenous sources.…”

“…These agents can be obtained from endogenous or exogenous sources. Examples include cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, immunoglobulins, compounds of synthetic or natural origin, and microbial products [83,[86][87][88]. Immunomodulators can exert their function in either an antigen-specific or an antigen-independent manner [86,88].…”

“…Their benefit stems from their ability to naturally shape innate immune responses via the activation of key PRR signaling pathways. In the context of viral infections, these agents are able to enhance anti-viral immunity by promoting the recruitment of macrophages, DCs, and NK cells, and augmenting the production of IFN proteins [83,84]. Immunomodulators often cause fewer adverse effects than existing drugs (i.e.…”

“…When used as adjuncts in combinational therapies, these can shorten the course of treatment and overall drug dosage. [83][84][85].…”

Immunomodulatory activities of methanol extract of the whole aerial part of Phyllantus niruri L.

“…Substances that stimulate the immune system are indicated in the treatment of cancer, immunodeficiency diseases, for generalized immunosuppression following drug treatment, for combination therapy with antibiotics, and as adjuvants for improving vaccines immunogenicity (Nworu et al, 2007(Nworu et al, , 2010. It has also been suggested that immunomodulatory regimes offer an attractive approach as an adjunct in the control of microbial diseases and in the management of antibiotic resistance (Masihi, 2001). On the other hand, immunosuppressive agents are indicated for conditions associated with hyperimmune responsiveness such as transplanted organ rejection and autoimmune disorders.…”