Immunomodulators are substances that can change immune system activity — boosting, reducing or rebalancing it according to the patient's needs. In allergy and clinical immunology they help treat conditions in which the immune system is underactive, overactive or dysregulated.

Types of immunomodulators

By mechanism of action, immunomodulators fall into three main groups:

Immunostimulants

Activate or boost the immune response. Indicated for patients with immunodeficiencies, recurrent infections or an insufficient immune response.

Immunosuppressants

Reduce an excessive immune response. Useful in autoimmune diseases, severe allergic conditions or severe hypersensitivity.

Immunoregulators

Rebalance the immune response without broadly suppressing or stimulating it. They act on specific mechanisms such as antibody production, antigen recognition or the release of inflammatory mediators.

When are they indicated?

✓ Primary and secondary immunodeficiencies.
✓ Recurrent respiratory infections.
✓ Severe allergies or allergies that do not respond to standard treatment.
✓ Hard-to-control asthma.
✓ Autoimmune diseases with an allergic component.
✓ Moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.

Mechanisms of action

Antibody production

Modulate the production of immunoglobulins, especially IgE, which drives allergic reactions.

Antigen recognition

Improve the immune system's ability to tell harmful agents apart from harmless substances such as allergens.

Inflammatory mediators

Regulate the release of histamine, cytokines and other mediators that cause allergy symptoms.

Immune cells

Act on T and B lymphocytes, NK cells and other cells of the immune system to restore normal function.

Important: Immunomodulators must be prescribed and supervised by a specialist. The choice of agent, dose and length of treatment depends on each patient's complete immunological diagnosis.

Immunomodulators in Guadalajara

Dr. Rodolfo Salazar Villa has specialized training in clinical immunology to assess, prescribe and monitor immunomodulator treatment. The Unidad de Alergia, Asma e Inmunología Clínica offers this treatment as part of a comprehensive care plan in Guadalajara and at Hospital Puerta de Hierro Sur.