An immunomodulator is a substance that helps regulate or modify the immune system’s response. It can either enhance or suppress the activity of the immune system, depending on what is needed. Immunomodulators are used to maintain immune system balance and can be naturally occurring (like certain herbs and compounds) or synthetic (such as pharmaceutical drugs).
There are two main types:
- Immunostimulants: These boost the immune response and are used to help the body fight infections and certain diseases, such as vaccines and interferons.
- Immunosuppressants: These reduce or suppress the immune response and are often used to prevent overactive immune reactions, as in autoimmune diseases, or to prevent organ transplant rejection (e.g., corticosteroids and cyclosporine).
Immunomodulators are widely used in treating conditions such as autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammatory diseases, and certain types of cancer. CBD has been noted as an immunomodulator.