Immunomodulation
The adjustment of immune system activity — either enhancing underactive immunity or suppressing overactive immunity. Glatiramer acetate immunomodulates in multiple sclerosis by shifting immune responses. Thymosin alpha-1 enhances immune function. The approach is more nuanced than broad immunosuppression.
Technical Context
Immunomodulation encompasses: immune enhancement (boosting underactive immunity — thymosin alpha-1 promoting T cell maturation and dendritic cell function), immune suppression (reducing overactive immunity — cyclosporine blocking T cell activation for transplant rejection/autoimmunity), and immune regulation (redirecting immune responses — glatiramer acetate shifting Th1/Th17 toward Th2/Treg balance without broad suppression). The advantage of immunomodulation over immunosuppression: maintaining protective immunity against infections and cancers while redirecting pathological immune responses. Glatiramer acetate exemplifies this: it does not significantly increase infection risk (unlike broad immunosuppressants), does not require laboratory monitoring for immunosuppression-related complications, and maintains intact vaccine responses. Motixafortide, while primarily used for stem cell mobilisation, also has immunomodulatory potential — disrupting CXCR4/CXCL12 signalling can enhance anti-tumour immune responses by promoting T cell infiltration into tumours.