INTRODUCTION In order to provide a detailed analysis of recent pharmacological developments involving the human immune system, it is firstly necessary to introduce the innate and adaptive immune responses . Immunosuppressants and immunomodulators will be differentiated between and a selection of new and often experimental drugs belonging to each category will be provided. Specific drugs will be described including the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics involved with each type. The possible clinical uses will be alluded to along with details from recent research. INNATE IMMUNITY Innate immunity is the first line of defence and comprises physical skin, biochemical complement, lysozyme and cellular...
cancer and multiple sclerosis.

CONCLUSION To conclude, recent literature suggests that research into immunosuppression is more wide spread than in the area of immunomodulation. This newer concept certainly needs further investigation but has many potential benefits especially in the treatment of AIDS. Many other agents such as new vaccines and alternatives to antibiotics are being developed, unfortunately due to certain constraints they are beyond the scope of this review. As understanding of natural immune mechanisms is increased, further manipulation of the immune system will be possible. As the millennium begins it appears that the future of immunopharmacology is promising.