Therapeutic immunomodulation.

Several of the cytokines that regulate the immune system have been tested for efficacy in the clinical setting. Of these, interleukin-2 shows particular potential for antitumor therapy when used in combination with autologous lymphokine-activated killer cells; the interferons have proved effective in the treatment of certain viral diseases and malignancies, particularly those of hematologic origin; and the colony-stimulating factors show great promise for treatment of diseases associated with bone marrow dysfunction. Heterologous monoclonal antibodies have proved effective in control of acute allograft rejection and prevention of graft versus host disease by selective elimination of cell types. Anti-idiotype antibodies are being investigated for their potential as vaccines. Many synthetic compounds possess immunomodulatory properties; one of these, inosiplex, may prove effective in enhancing immune function in patients with immune deficiencies such as AIDS.