[Effect of an immunomodulator, RU 41740, on experimental infections]

RU 41740 is an immunomodulator of organic origin acting on cells of the immune system (B cells, T cells, phagocytic cells) and on mediators IL1-CSF). Its mode of action has been explored by means of experimental infections. The types of defence involved differ according to whether the experimental infection is caused by an extracellular or intracellular micro-organism. Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were used to produce fungal infections, while bacterial infections were obtained with Staph. aureus, E. coli, Strep. pneumoniae and other organisms. The influenza virus was used to produce a viral infection. In these experimental models, RU 41740 increased the survival time of the infected animals and reduced bacterial, fungal and viral proliferation. These effects were observed even in immunocompromised mice. These in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that RU 41740 is effective whatever the type of body defence involved.