purified protein derivative

Purified protein derivative (PPD) is a biologic extract of soluble proteins derived from *Mycobacterium tuberculosis* cultures. While traditionally utilized as a diagnostic reagent for tuberculosis skin testing (the Mantoux test), it is being investigated by Assiut University as a form of intralesional immunotherapy for the treatment of recalcitrant warts, including palmoplantar warts. When injected intralesionally, PPD acts as a non-specific immunostimulant that triggers a potent localized cell-mediated immune response (Type IV hypersensitivity). This immune activation facilitates the recognition and subsequent clearance of human papillomavirus (HPV)-infected keratinocytes. Clinical research, including Phase 4 randomized trials, has demonstrated that intralesional PPD can achieve high complete clearance rates in patients with difficult-to-treat palmoplantar warts, often serving as a cost-effective alternative to other treatments like bleomycin.

Brand names

TubersolAplisol

Other names

PPDtuberculin purified protein derivativetuberculin PPDtuberculin