title: Characterization of immunotherapeutic agents: the example of imuthiol.
abstract: Immunotherapeutic (IMT) agents are intended to restore or reequilibrate a faltering immune system. These aims will be attained provided the agent fulfills minimum requirements: in vivo defined activities; lack of suppressive, sensitizing, or autoimmunity-inducing influence; no immunotoxicity and carcinogenicity. Known chemical structure, analytical procedure, toxicology and pharmacology are also prerequisites. A follow-up pattern of sequential and progressively more demanding assays through which IMT agents could be screened for therapeutic potential is suggested. The example of Imuthiol, tested accordingly, demonstrates the usefulness of the proposed procedure.
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000633:toxicity; D000818:Animals; D001682:Biological Availability; D002273:Carcinogens; D004050:Ditiocarb / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000633:toxicity; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000187:drug effects; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D007700:Kinetics; D013859:Thiocarbamates / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D002273:Carcinogens; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D013859:Thiocarbamates; D004050:Ditiocarb