biological response modifier

biological response modifier

n.

A substance, such as interferon, that is produced naturally or manufactured as a drug designed to strengthen, direct, or restore the body's immune response against infection or cancer.

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biological response modifier

Immunology Any of a broad family of natural or synthetic molecules that up- or down-regulate, or restore immune responsiveness Types of BRMs Interferons, ILs, CSFs, TNFs, B-cell growth factor, B-cell differentiating factors, eosinophil chemotactic factor, lymphotoxin, macrophage chemotactic factor, macrophage activating factor, macrophage inhibiting factor, osteoclast-activating factor, and others; BRMs are generated after a T cell recognizes an antigen present on the surface of a self antigen-presenting cell which, once activated, produces a multiple lymphokines–cytokines Therapeutic effects of BRMs 1. Regulation and/or increased immune response; 2. Cytotoxic or cytostatic activity against tumor cells; 3. Inhibition of metastasis, or cell maturation; 4. Stimulation of BM stem cells, required for recuperation from cytotoxic insult secondary to chemotherapy. See B cell, Colony-stimulating factor, Interferon, Interleukin, T cell, Tumor necrosis factor.