Topical immunomodulators for the treatment of external genital warts, cutaneous warts and molluscum contagiosum.

Hengge, U R; Cusini, M · Br J Dermatol · 2003

review · Level V

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Abstract

Topical immunomodulators (TIMs) include both immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive agents. Newer immunostimulatory compounds such as imidazoquinolines (e.g. imiquimod) act by cytokine secretion from monocytes/macrophages (interferon-alpha, interleukin-12, tumour-necrosis factor-alpha), leading to a Th1-dominance and cell-mediated immunity. This immune milieu has been clinically used to treat viral infections such as human papillomavirus (condyloma and common warts), herpes simplex virus and mollusca in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients.

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