Immunomodulatory agent

Immunomodulatory agents are a class of drugs and natural substances that change immune system activity either by stimulating or suppressing immune responses. They function via a range of molecular mechanisms including modulation of cytokines, inhibition or activation of immune cell functions, and alteration of intracellular signaling pathways. These agents are used to treat diverse conditions such as autoimmune diseases, inflammatory disorders, cancer, infection, and to prevent organ rejection after transplantation. The group includes traditional small molecule immunosuppressants (e.g., methotrexate, azathioprine), monoclonal antibodies, biologics, and some food or natural compounds. Because "immunomodulatory agent" does not specify a single target, it is a functional drug class rather than a molecular target for therapeutic exploitation.

Other names

Immunomodulatorimmunosuppressantimmunostimulantimmune modulatorbiological response modifier

Suppression or stimulation of immune cell activity; Modulation of cytokine signaling (e.g., by acting on TNF-α, ILs, interferons); Inhibition of T cell activation or proliferation; DNA synthesis inhibition in immune cells (e.g., purine synthesis inhibitors); Blockade or stimulation of specific intracellular signaling pathways (e.g., NF-κB, JAK-STAT)