Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics 2024, Vol.12, No.1, 1-7 http://www.medscipublisher.com/index.php/cge 2 immune modulators with other treatment methods. Finally, the review summarizes the prospects of immune modulators in cancer treatment, offering insights into future research directions. It is hoped that this review provides a comprehensive understanding of the application prospects of immune modulators in cancer treatment, offering a scientific basis for clinical practice, providing more effective and safe treatment strategies for cancer patients, and contributing to further advancements in the field of cancer research. 1 Overview of Immune Modulators 1.1 Definition and classification of immune modulators GImmune modulators refer to drugs or therapeutic methods capable of regulating the function of the immune system. Different types of immune modulators may vary in treatment mechanisms, indications, and side effects. Therefore, their selection and application should be based on specific circumstances. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are immune checkpoints that activate immune cells to attack tumors by blocking inhibitory signals between tumor cells and immune cells. Common immune checkpoints include anti-CTLA-4 antibodies (such as ipilimumab), anti-PD-1 antibodies (such as pembrolizumab), and anti-PD-L1 antibodies (such as atezolizumab). Cytokines are a class of protein molecules that can enhance the activity of immune cells and promote immune responses (Liu et al., 2022). Common cytokines include interferons (such as interferon-α and interferon-γ), interleukins (such as interleukin-2 and interleukin-12), among others. Tumor vaccines represent a kind of vaccine capable of eliciting a specific immune response in the body, recognizing and eliminating tumor cells. Tumor vaccines may include tumor-related antigens, tumor cells, or their products, among other components. Apart from the types of immune modulators mentioned above, there are also other types such as immune cell therapy (e.g., CAR-T cell therapy), and immune adjuvants (e.g., liposomes and adjuvants), etc. 1.2 Mechanisms of action of immune modulators Different types of immune modulators may have distinct mechanisms of action, and these mechanisms can be influenced by various factors such as dosage, administration route, and the target of treatment. Therefore, when using immune modulators, it is necessary to make selections and applications based on specific circumstances. Certain immune modulators can inhibit the activity of the immune system, reduce the function and quantity of immune cells, thereby diminishing the intensity of immune responses. This mechanism is commonly employed in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Other immune modulators can enhance the activity of the immune system, promote the function and quantity of immune cells, thereby intensifying the effectiveness of immune responses. This mechanism is often used in the treatment of infectious diseases and tumors, such as interferons and interleukins. Certain immune modulators can regulate the balance of the immune system, maintaining appropriate control during immune responses. This mechanism is often employed in the treatment of diseases associated with immune dysregulation, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., anti-CTLA-4 antibodies and anti-PD-1 antibodies) (Seidel et al., 2018). Some immune modulators can enhance the immune system's memory and recognition capabilities for specific antigens, thereby strengthening the persistence and specificity of immune responses. This mechanism is commonly used in the fields of vaccines and immune cell therapy. 1.3 The current clinical application of immunomodulators Immunomodulators are widely utilized in the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, and others. Commonly used immunomodulators include corticosteroids, immunosuppressants (such as cyclosporine A, methotrexate), and others. Immunomodulators are employed post-organ transplantation to suppress the host immune system's rejection response toward the transplanted organ. Commonly used immunosuppressants include cyclosporine A, tacrolimus, and others. Immunomodulators play a crucial role in the treatment of hematological malignancies such as leukemia and lymphoma. For instance, immunostimulants like interferons and interleukins can be employed to enhance the immune system's ability to attack tumors. Immunomodulators are also utilized in the treatment of diseases related
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