What are immunomodulators?
Immunomodulators are substances that regulate or modify the function of the immune system. They can act as immunosuppressants by inhibiting immune responses or as immunostimulants by stimulating immune response. Immunosuppressants are useful in the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as Crohn's disease, and in preventing rejection of organs transplantation. Immunostimulants are useful in improving the immune function of people with chronic infectious diseases, immunodeficiency and cancer disorders. Tolelerogens, a substance that induces tolerance and causes some tissues to react less or do not respond to specific antigens, are the third type of immunomodulators. Cytokines are natural immunomodulators and are produced by lymphoreticular cells. They have several interaction roles in immune pathways.
interferons (IFNS) are a group ofCytokins with the properties of immunity and are therefore called immunostimulants. Interferon-Gama increases the presentation of antigen to immune cells and stimulates activation of differentImmune cells, including natural killers (NK) cells, macrophages and cytotoxic t lymphocytes. It is used for the treatment of chronic granulomatous diseases. Interferon-alpha is used to treat infections such as hepatitis B and C, and cancer such as chronic myelogenic leukemia, Kaposi sarcoma, hairy leukemia and malignant melanoma. Interferons can cause side effects such as fever, chills, body pain, headache and depression.
other examples of immunostimulants include Levamisol and Thalidomide. Levamisol is a drug that was originally used for Helmint infections and is now used for colon cancer. Thalidomide was once used to control vomiting associated with pregnancy, but the market was removed due to its teratogenic effects. He recently found new use as an immunomodulatory remedy for rheumatoid arthritis, multiple myeloma and erythema nodosum leprosum.
ImmunomodulatoryTherapy can control the symptoms of inflammation. Those who inhibit the function of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) and the factor of tumor-alfa, can greatly benefit people suffering from chronic inflammatory condition. For example, azathioprine, 6-mekaptopurin, cyclosporin and tacrolimus can be used to maintain remission in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and mycophenolate mofetil (IMF) are examples of antiproliferative or cytotoxic drugs, while cyclosporin and tacrolimus are examples of calcineurine or specific T-cell inhibitors.
Immunomodulators affect the immune system. Blood tests are needed to monitor the effects of these drugs on bone marrow, kidneys and liver. Womeny, which are pregnant or planning to conceive, should consult your doctor about the use of immunomodulators, as their use could lead to congenital defects or abortion.