Read this article now - Try Goliath Business News - FREE!   
You can view this article PLUS...

• Over 5 million business articles
• Hundreds of the most trusted magazines, newswires, and journals (see list)
• Premium business information that is timely and relevant
• Unlimited Access

Tell Me More   Terms and Conditions

Purchase this article for $4.95

...ability immune system's antiviral and antitumor activity. Because of this ability, imiquimod may have wide use in treating a variety of benign, premalignant, and malignant conditions. Clinical investigation is currently being conducted with imiquimod in the treatment of common warts (nongenital HPV infection), molluscum contagiosum, basal cell carcinoma, Bowen's disease, actinic keratoses, and herpes simplex infection. In addition, the use of imiquimod in alopecia areata and vitiligo is being discussed.

How Does Imiquimod Work?

The exact mechanism of action of imiquimod is not fully defined. It does not exhibit direct antiviral activity; however, imiquimod is a potent inducer of cytokines within the keratinocytes to both slow down viral replication and enhance the cell-mediated immunity (Dahl, 2000; Sander, 2000). Cytokines, including interferons, are proteins produced in cells such as keratinocytes and are part of the innate immune response. Through stimulation of these cytokines within the immune system, imiquimod helps infected cells and their neighbors slow down viral replication within the cell and limit the spread until a specific cell-mediated immune response can be induced and eventually eliminate the virus.

Viral infections of the epidermis pose problems for the body's immune system defense. Warts and molluscum sit high in the epidermis and are insulated from cells of the immune system that roam in the dermis below. So the immune system has little exposure to the virus and, therefore, has difficulty mounting a specific immune response. This allows the infection to thrive and not be affected by cell-mediated immunity. In addition to stimulating cytokines, imiquimod breaks down the communication barriers between the viral-infected cells of the epidermis and the immune system so that the body can better fend off these viruses. Imiquimod appears to activate and enhance the migration of Langerhans' cells to the lymph nodes for presentation of antigens to T lymphocytes. This presentation activates the cutaneous immune response. The local reaction of erythema is an indication that imiquimod is having...

NOTE: All illustrations and photos have been removed from this article.



Looking for additional articles?
Search our database of over 3 million articles.

Looking for more in-depth information on this industry?
Search our complete database of Industry & Market reports by text, subject, publication name or publication date.

About Goliath
Whether you're looking for sales prospects, competitive information, company analysis or best practices in managing your organization, Goliath can help you meet your business needs.

Our extensive business information databases empower business professionals with both the breadth and depth of credible, authoritative information they need to support their business goals. Whether it be strategic planning, sales prospecting, company research or defining management best practices - Goliath is your leading source for accurate information.