Related Experiment Videos
Biologic response modifiers as antivirals in immunosuppressed hosts
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19129.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Biologic response modifiers (BRMs) show broad-spectrum antiviral activity in animals, reducing mortality and viral load. Early treatment is most effective, though the exact antiviral mechanisms of BRMs require further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Biologic response modifiers (BRMs) exhibit broad-spectrum antiviral properties against RNA and DNA viruses in animal models.
- BRM treatment can significantly decrease mortality, viral titers, and tissue damage.
- Effective BRMs encompass diverse agents, including microbial products, polyanions, cytokines, and small molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the broad-spectrum antiviral activity of biologic response modifiers (BRMs).
- To highlight the potential of BRMs in managing viral infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
- To explore the mechanisms of action and identify critical mediators of BRM-induced antiviral effects.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on biologic response modifiers (BRMs) and their antiviral efficacy.
- Analysis of studies demonstrating BRM effects on viral load, mortality, and histopathology in animal models.
- Examination of the impact of BRM treatment timing (prophylactic vs. therapeutic) on outcomes.
Main Results:
- BRMs demonstrate significant antiviral effects across various animal species and virus types.
- Efficacy is observed in different forms of immunosuppression, suggesting utility in immunocompromised individuals.
- Prophylactic or early therapeutic administration yields the greatest protective benefits.
- BRMs appear to act indirectly by activating immune cells or inducing antiviral mediators early in infection.
- Viral-specific immune responses are generally not enhanced by BRM treatment.
- The precise, unified mechanism of action for all BRMs remains undetermined, with interferon being critical for some but not all agents.
Conclusions:
- Biologic response modifiers (BRMs) represent a promising class of agents for broad-spectrum antiviral therapy.
- Early intervention with BRMs is crucial for maximizing therapeutic outcomes.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex and potentially varied mechanisms underlying BRM antiviral activity.