Uses
Imiquimod maleate (R 837 maleate), an immune response modifier, is a selective toll like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonist. Imiquimod maleate exhibits antiviral and antitumor effects in vivo. Imiquimod maleate can be used for the research of external genital, perianal warts, cancer and COVID-19[1][2].
in vivo
In animal models, imiquimod stimulates the innate immune response by increasing NK cell activity, activating macrophages to secrete
cytokines and nitric oxide, and inducing proliferation and differentiation of B lymphocytes. Imiquimod stimulates the innate immune response through induction, synthesis, and release of cytokines, including interferon-a (IFN-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α[1].
References
[1] Athina Angelopoulou, et al. Imiquimod - A toll like receptor 7 agonist - Is an ideal option for management of COVID 19. Environ Res. 2020 Sep; 188: 109858. DOI:
10.1016/j.envres.2020.109858[2] Aditya K Gupta, et al. Imiquimod: a review. J Cutan Med Surg. Nov-Dec 2002;6(6):554-60. DOI:
10.1007/s10227-001-0134-6[3] Yuji Kan, et al. Imiquimod suppresses propagation of herpes simplex virus 1 by upregulation of cystatin A via the adenosine receptor A1 pathway. J Virol. 2012 Oct;86(19):10338-46. DOI:
10.1128/JVI.01196-12[4] Michael P Schn, et al. The small antitumoral immune response modifier imiquimod interacts with adenosine receptor signaling in a TLR7- and TLR8-independent fashion. J Invest Dermatol. 2006 Jun;126(6):1338-47. DOI:
10.1038/sj.jid.5700286
