Extracellular pathogens

Mechanism of Action A biologic response modifier that induces activation of macrophages in blood monocytes to phagocytes, which is necessary in the body s cellular immune response to intracellular and extracellular pathogens. Enhances phagocytic function and antimicrobial activity of monocytes Therapeutic Effect Decreases signs and symptoms of serious infections in chronic granulomatous disease. Pharmacokinetics Slowly absorbed after subcutaneous administration. Half-life 0.5-1 hr. 

Survives as extracellular pathogen within the body of the host... 

The humoral response results in activation of B cells and subsequently in the production of specific antibodies, which bind to extracellular pathogens and induce their destruction. 

IL-5, and IL-13, and are involved in the development of humoral immunity protecting against extracellular pathogens (Fig. 18.1-6). On the other hand, uncontrolled Thl responses are associated with inflammatory or autoimmune pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), or psoriasis and excessive Th2 responses are associated with allergies and asthma [65]. This indicates that the development of Thl and Th2 cells must be tightly controlled and that therapeutic modulation of immune responses may have an impact on human diseases. 

Defend against extracellular pathogens by binding to antigens and making them easier targets for phagocytes and complement. 

A number of experimental animal studies, some in the older literature, have described effects of lead treatment on resistance to various intra- and extracellular pathogens. In some cases, endotoxin-producing microbiota have been evaluated. Illustrative reports are summarized in Table 18.2. The majority of these experimental efforts have been carried out with various mouse strains, but some testings have been done in rats and fowl. Host resistance endpoints have involved bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases, and tumor formation and promotion. 

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