Immunomodulating agents infections

Immunomodulating agents are being investigated for their potential application in immunodeficiency disorders, chronic infections, and neoplasms. 

Cytokine peptide containing 157 amino acid residues (two forms known). Immunomodulating agent antineoplastic agent. Mediator in pathogenesis of infection, tissue injury and inflammation. Elevated serum levels found in AIDS patients. 

Investigational agents for the treatment of HCV infection are multiple and include inhibitors of the HCV RNA polymerase such as valopicitabine. Pis such as telaprevir, the ribavirin analogs merimepodib and viramidine, an anti-aminophospholipid antibody, a caspase inhibitor, and the immunomodulator thymosin alpha-1. 

A number of agents can suppress the immune system. However, there has been considerable interest in developing pharmacologic methods to modify or even stimulate immune function in specific situations. In particular, agents that have a positive immunomodulating effect could be beneficial to patients with compromised immune function (such as AIDS or certain cancers) or chronic infections.19,41 Development of immunostimulants, however, is understandably a complex and potentially dangerous proposition. Excessive or incorrect immune activation could trigger myriad problems that resemble autoimmune diseases. Likewise, it may be difficult to selectively stimulate certain aspects of the immune system to treat a specific... 

Glucose polymer. Isol. from a proprietary, non-recombinant yeast strain of Sac-diaromyces cerevisiae. Macrophage-specific immunomodulator. Possible prophylactic agent for treating surgical infections. Phase I/II clinical trials (1994)... 

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