Cytokine induction and modifying the immune response to human papilloma virus with imiquimod

European Journal of Dermatology. Volume 8, 13-6, Supplement, October - November 1998, Congrès

Author(s) : H.B. Slade, 3M Pharmaceuticals, Building 270-3A-01, 3M Center, St Paul, Minnesota, USA..

Summary : Imiquimod is the newest in a class of drugs known as immune response modifiers. In preclinical studies, imiquimod induced the production of cytokines – the principal cytokine for antiviral activity being interferon alpha. Imiquimod does not inhibit viruses directly, nor does it cause direct, non-specific cytolytic destruction [1]. Preclinical studies suggest that its antiviral action results from in vivo cytokine-induced activation of the immune system. This paper reviews a recent double blind, placebo-controlled study designed to evaluate this hypothesis. The results of this study showed that wart regression following treatment with imiquimod strongly correlated with a decrease in viral DNA and gene transcripts; a decrease in mRNA expression for proteins associated with cellular proliferation, and an increase in keratinocyte markers. These results support the hypothesis that stimulation of local cytokines by imiquimod leads to a reduction in human papilloma virus (HPV) load; to wart regression and to the normalisation of keratinocyte proliferation without evidence of scarring.

Keywords : condylomata acuminata, immune response modification, cytokine stimulation, wart regression, human papilloma virus.

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