Low molecular weight immunomodulators produced by microorganisms.

In order to develop a new class of low molecular weight immunomodulators for the treatment of incurable diseases involving cancer, hematologic diseases and inflammation, we have sought cytokine inducers and inhibitors of cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix among the low molecular compounds produced by microorganisms. Cytogenin, cytoblastin (a monokine inducer), conagenin (a lymphokine inducer) and delaminomycins and IC-101 (inhibitors of cell adhesion to extracellular matrices) have been recently found in our institute. In this report, we describe the principles of screening and structures, and discuss their biological activities.