Immunomodulators

Cytokine immunomodulators have received considerable attention. Interferon-alpha has broad clinical application for treatment of a number of viruses. The neutrophil-stimulatory effects of interferon-gamma are useful in neutrophil disorders. TNF antagonists are useful in rheumatoid arthritis but carry the risk of activating intracellular organisms. Hemopoietic growth factors have considerable clinical effect in patients receiving immunosuppressive chemotherapy. A number of cytokines and cytokine antagonists are undergoing research development.