Immunomodulating drugs immune response

Topical therapy is the initial drug treatment strategy for patients with mild to moderate psoriasis. It is estimated that approximately 70% to 80% of all patients with psoriasis can he treated adequately with use of topical therapy.1 Topical therapies include corticosteroids, coal tar products, anthralin, vitamin D3 analogues such as calcipotriol, retinoids such as tazarotene, and topical immunomodulators such as tacrolimus and pime-crolimus.18 Vitamin D3 analogues and topical retinoids all affect keratinocyte functions and the immune response. Currently, these are in wider use than is either anthralin or coal tar preparations. 

Therapists also deal with the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders that are caused by an autoimmune response. Many of these diseases attack connective tissues, and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis, and systemic lupus erythematosus are often the primary reason that patients undergo rehabilitation. Patients with a compromised immune system may develop musculoskeletal problems related to their immunodeficient state. Hence, immunomodulating drugs are frequently used in many patients receiving physical therapy and occupational therapy. 

Heavy Metals. Some heavy metals such as gold and platinum are used pharmacologically as immunomodulators to treat rheumatoid arthritis and as antineoplastic drugs, respectively. Most heavy metals inhibit mitogenicity, antibody responses, and host resistance to bacterial or viral challenge, and tumor growth. Platinum has been shown to suppress humoral immunity, lymphocyte proliferation, and macrophage function (Lawrence, 1985). Clinically, mild to moderate myelosuppression may also be evident with transient leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. 

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