[Immunomodulation during viral infections]

The paper provides a survey of immunomodulation mechanisms in the course of viral infections. The importance of viruses in the disturbance of immunological homeostasis has been pointed out. Virally induced immunomodulation can arise by: a mechanism of complete or abortive viral replication in the lymphocytes and macrophages, by soluble viral factors, by the influencing of antigen-presenting cells, and by excessive suppressor T-lymphocyte stimulation. Viral infections present a real danger to the integrity of the immunological system, and this demands a follow-up and an adequate interpretation of the arisen disorders.