Immunomodulatory properties

During the last decade, the larch AG, known as larch gum in food applications, has produced emerging commercial and scientific interest, which follows closely upon recent reports related to the beneficial physiological effects of the commercial larch AG and its immunomodulatory properties [379,380]. 

In addition to their direct antiviral properties described earlier, IFNs exhibit potent immunomodulatory properties that contribute to their antiviral effects by activating... 

In conclusion, IFNs have proven to be invaluable tools in the fight against chronic viral hepatitis. In these indications, their antiviral properties play a major role and it remains unclear whether their immunomodulatory properties are also important. Disappointing results obtained with purely immunomodulatory molecules, such as interleukins or Toll-like receptor agonists suggest that, if immunomodulation plays any role, potent inhibition of viral replication is also needed. The role of IFNs in the treatment of viral infections other than hepatitis B and C remains elusive. 

Theophylline is also considered an alternative to inhaled corticosteroids for the treatment of mild persistent asthma however, limited efficacy compared to inhaled corticosteroids, a narrow therapeutic index with life-threatening toxicity, and multiple clinically important drug interactions have severely limited its use. Theophylline causes bronchodilation through inhibition of phosphodiesterase and antagonism of adenosine and appears to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties as well.36... 

Shovman O, Levy Y, Gilburd B, Shoenfeld Y. Antiinflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of statins. Immunol Res 2002 25(3) 271-285. 

Harnett, W., Deehan, M.R., Houston, KM. and Harnett, M.M. (1999a) Immunomodulatory properties of a phosphorylcholine-containing secreted filarial glycoprotein. Parasite Immunology 21, 601-608. 

The first recombinant interferon to become available for clinical studies was IFN-a2a, in 1980. Shortly afterwards the genes coding for additional IFN-as were cloned and expressed, allowing additional clinical studies. The antiviral, anti-tumour and immunomodulatory properties of these interferons assured their approval for a variety of medical uses. rhIFN-as manufactured/marketed by a number of companies (Table 8.8) are generally produced in E. coli. 

Pharmacology The mode of action of sulfasalazine or its metabolites, 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and sulfapyridine (SP), is still under investigation but may be related to the anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory properties that have been observed in animals and in vitro, to its affinity for connective tissue, or to the relatively high concentration it reaches in serous fluids, the liver, and intestinal walls. In ulcerative colitis, the major therapeutic action may reside in the 5-ASA moiety. P.842... 

Dercitin (464) is a violet acridine alkaloid from a deepwater species of Dercitus with antitumour, antiviral and immunomodulatory properties in vitro [389] and with in vivo antitumour activity [390]. The structure was proposed on the basis of spectral properties. Cyclodercitin (465) was isolated as a minor alkaloid from a deepwater Dercitus species and three... 

Recently, lymphocyte stimulation tests were performed in order to evaluate the immunomodulatory properties of Astragalus saponins. Lymphocyte proliferation or transformation is a process whereby de novo DNA synthesis takes place in response to a mitogen or any other appreciable stimulator (concanavallin A). Astraversianins II, and X, astragalosides I, II, IV and VI and cyclocantosides E and G isolated from A. melanophrurius were able to stimulate mouse lymphocyte proliferation in the concentration range of 0.01-10 (ig/ml. At higher concentration, inhibition of thymidine incorporation was observed [72]. 

Cycloartane saponins seemingly contribute to the immunomodulatory properties of Astragalus, in fact, curculigosaponin G from Curculigo orchioides was reported to significantly promote the proliferation of spleen lymphocytes in mice compared to controls, without a marked influence on antibody formation [167]. 

However, corticosteroids and their metabolites (1) were early recognized as possessing powerful antiinflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Even prior to 1950, reports of the antiarthritic properties of cortisone (1) by Hench and co-workers (2) indicated the potential for these compounds to reduce the suffering of patients with inflammatory diseases. This awareness, combined with the first synthesis of naturally occurring glucocorticoids (11-desoxycorticosterone), led not only to the massive increase in research in the area of steroid synthesis and physiology, but to a Nobel prize in 1950 for early steroid pioneers Hench, Reichstein, and Kendall. 

Ginseng possesses some immunomodulatory properties, primarily associated with NK cell activity. Ginsenoside was shown to increase both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses (see Attele et al., 1999). 

Wong, C.W., Watson, D.L., Regester, G.O., and Smithers, G.W. 1998b. Comparison of immunomodulatory properties of purified lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase and (3-casein in sheep. J. Dairy Res. 65, 697-701. 

Is well tolerated by pigs [144] and cynomolgus monkeys at 4 mg kg-1 [145] and has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties which may result in clinical benefit to alio- and xenografted organs [146]... 

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