[Targets and mechanisms of levamisole-induced immunostimulation (author's transl)].

Levamisole modify the functions of neutrophils, of macrophages and of T-cells in normal, healthy men and animals. Hormone-like products are synthetized after levamisole administration, even in athymic mice, to recruit T cells from precommitted precursor cells and to activate mature T cells. Levamisole-induced immunostimulation is associated with activities of its sulphur moiety more than with cholinergic properties of the imidazole moiety. Levamisole activities are modulated by genetic and environmental factors and by the degree of antigenic stimulus. Immunostimulation by levamisole depends upon individual responsiveness. Practical usefulness of levamisole therapy will be optimal if acquired experimental findings are taken in account to determine the schedules of treatment.