[Immunopharmacology of corticosteroids]

Immunopharmacological effects of corticosteroids are primarily dependent upon their capacity to modify inflammatory reactions at various levels. Their molecular effects are related to the vascular system and to lymphocytes, phagocytes and mast cells, all cell types being involved in inflammation. They modulate the physiology, molecular biology and membrane dynamics of these cells thereby influencing cellular and humoral immune functions. The complexity of these effects may at least partially explain the usefulness of corticosteroids in cases of immunoproliferative, autoimmune and allergic disorders.