Biological response modifiers in the management of viral infection.

The rapid evolution of immunopharmacology as a recognized scientific discipline dedicated to unraveling complex interrelationships between immunologic responsiveness and disease states in general supports the importance of the potential role biological response modifiers have in clinical medicine. To administer a drug, or combination of drugs, that safely, effectively, and favorably alter the course of infection, cancer, autoimmune disease, and allergy is within grasp. Although the greatest emphasis on therapeutic application of BRMs is placed on cancer, many of these immunomodulating agents have well-documented effects on the course of infectious disease. By either restoring immune responses or by enhancing the response of a normal immune system, it is conceivable that BRM therapy will someday be used routinely as adjunct therapy in the management of viral infections in companion animals.