Immune system modulation via immunomodulatory signal substances and surface structures

"Immune system modulation via immunomodulatory signal substances and surface structures" is not a single molecular target but refers broadly to the therapeutic strategy of altering immune function using various agents. These agents—immunomodulators—can be small molecules, biologics such as monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins targeting cell-surface signaling molecules on immune cells, or engineered biomaterials designed to influence how the immune system responds. The approach encompasses both stimulation and suppression of immunity depending on disease context. It is foundational in treating cancer (via checkpoint inhibitors), autoimmune diseases (using DMARDs or corticosteroids), infections, allergies, and more. Because this term describes an entire field rather than one defined molecule/receptor/protein/gene product with a unique structure/function relationship in biology or pharmacology—and because it aggregates multiple targets under one umbrella—it should not be considered a canonical therapeutic target itself.

Other names

ImmunomodulationImmunomodulatory moleculesImmunomodulatorsImmune modulatory biomaterials

Immunomodulators act by either stimulating or suppressing the immune system through various mechanisms such as blocking cell surface signaling molecules with monoclonal antibodies or modulating cytokine activity to direct immune responses.