Immunstimulating

Immunstimulating describes substances, activities, or approaches that increase the activity or effectiveness of the immune system. This can involve boosting innate defenses such as phagocyte activity and cytokine production, or enhancing adaptive responses by promoting antigen presentation and T and B cell activation. Immunostimulation is a broad concept used in research, vaccines, infectious disease control, and cancer therapy.

Common immunostimulants include certain cytokines (for example interleukins and interferons), Toll-like receptor agonists, and vaccine adjuvants that help generate stronger or longer-lasting immunity. Adjuvants such as aluminum salts and saponin-based preparations, as well as synthetic DNA motifs like CpG oligodeoxynucleotides, are designed to recruit and activate immune cells at the site of vaccination. Natural or plant-derived products are also described as immunostimulants, though evidence for their efficacy and safety is variable. In clinical practice, immunostimulants are used in oncology (to boost anti-tumor responses or support immune recovery), in certain infectious diseases, and to some extent in vaccines to improve immunogenicity.

Risks include excessive or misdirected immune activation, which can cause inflammation, tissue damage, or autoimmune reactions. As with other immune-modulating therapies, immunostimulants require careful assessment, regulatory oversight, and monitoring for adverse effects. The effectiveness of immunostimulation depends on the context, including the type of pathogen or tumor, the immune status of the individual, and the combination with other therapies.