Imiquimod.
OBJECTIVE
Imiquimod is the first member of a new class of immune response modifiers; it was first approved in 1997 for the topical treatment of external genital and perianal warts. It is an imidazoquinoline, a novel synthetic compound which is an immune response stimulator, enhancing both the innate and acquired immune pathways (particularly T helper cell type 1-mediated immune responses) resulting in antiviral, antitumour and immunoregulatory activities. The mechanism of action of imiquimod involves cytokine induction in the skin, which then triggers the host's immune system to recognize the presence of a viral infection or tumour, ultimately to eradicate the associated lesion.


RESULTS
Imiquimod, a patient-applied topical 5% cream is clinically efficacious and safe in the management of condylomata acuminata and other warty manifestations of human papillomavirus infections. Although not licensed for use against other viral skin infections, preliminary data suggest imiquimod's success against molluscum contagiosum, caused by a poxvirus. Initial studies with imiquimod for the management of HPV-related intraepithelial dysplasias (bowenoid papulosis/vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia) as well as for ultraviolet-induced skin lesions such as actinic keratoses, Bowen's disease, and basal cell carcinomas show great promise in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients.


CONCLUSIONS
In the future, imiquimod and newer generations of imidazoquinolines (resiquimod) require further investigation for potential clinical utility in treating other cutaneous and mucosal viral infections, dysplasias and neoplasia, as well as potential vaccine adjuvants.
Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, The Royal Women's Hospital, Carlton, Victoria, Australia. suzanne.garland@wch.org.au
Suzanne M
SM
Garland
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy; D003218:Condylomata Acuminata / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D007369:Interferon Inducers / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008976:Molluscum Contagiosum / Q000188:drug therapy; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000634:Aminoquinolines; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D007369:Interferon Inducers; D000077271:Imiquimod