Immune system activity modulation

“Immune system activity modulation” refers to any intervention that changes the function of the immune system, aiming either to enhance responses against diseases such as cancer and infection, or to suppress pathological immunity in conditions like autoimmunity and allergy[1][2][4]. Modulation is achieved through specific molecular targets such as cell surface receptors (e.g., PD-1, CD40, CTLA-4), enzymes, signaling pathways, and metabolic regulators[1][5][6]. It is a foundational concept in immunotherapy, immunosuppressive therapy, and immune enhancement strategies, but not itself a molecule, receptor, or protein. For structured drug discovery, one should reference the specific molecular targets that mediate immune modulation rather than the broad process[1]. In summary: “Immune system activity modulation” is not a canonical molecular drug target; rather, it is a general biological mechanism involving diverse specific targets that regulate immune function. For drug-target annotation, always specify the direct molecular target involved in modulation (e.g., PD-1 receptor, CTLA-4 receptor, CD40)[1][3][4].

Other names

Immune modulationImmunomodulationImmune system regulation

Inhibition or activation of cytokine signaling pathways (e.g., blocking IL-6, TNF-alpha); Checkpoint blockade (e.g., PD-1/PD-L1, CTLA-4); Direct receptor/ligand blockade or stimulation (e.g., CD40 agonists); Metabolic pathway inhibition (e.g., glycolysis inhibition with 2-DG); Immune cell depletion or expansion (e.g., anti-CD20 for B cells, IL-2 for T cell expansion)