Efforts to counteract locally the effects of systemic immunosupression: a review on the use of imiquimod, a topical immunostimulator in organ transplant recipients

Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2010 Apr-Jun;23(2):387-96. doi: 10.1177/039463201002300201.

Abstract

The potent systemic immunosuppression therapy necessary to sustain a life-saving solid organ transplant is associated with an increased incidence of various infections including human papillomavirus infection and skin cancers in organ transplant recipients. Imiquimod, a topical agent that functions through local induction of a specific anti-viral or anti-tumor immune response, appears to be a promising therapeutic option that could potentially counteract in situ the effects of systemic immunosupression in this vulnerable group. Up-to-date studies using this local immune-response modifier in transplanted patients have yielded reassuring and encouraging results regarding its safety and efficacy in this population. However, in order to establish the use of imiquimod as a standard treatment option for organ transplant recipients, additional research and clinical trials are required.

Publication types

  • Editorial
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / therapeutic use*
  • Aminoquinolines / adverse effects
  • Aminoquinolines / therapeutic use*
  • Animals
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Imiquimod
  • Immune Tolerance / drug effects*
  • Keratosis, Actinic / drug therapy
  • Organ Transplantation*
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / drug therapy
  • Warts / drug therapy

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Aminoquinolines
  • Imiquimod