INOSINE 5'-METHYL MONOPHOSPHATE (MIMP), A THYMOMIMETIC DRUG FOR IMMUNOTHERAPEUTIC CLINICAL-APPLICATION

Inosine 5'-methyl monophosphate (MIMP), a purine analogue containing a n inosine base, has recently been synthesized. This compound was found to augment substantially T-cell-dependent immune responses and has be en classified as a thymomimetic drug. It showed the capacity to restor e in vitro lymphoproliferative responses of asymptomatic pre-AIDS (ARC ) patients. In addition, it prolonged the life of mice infected with F riend leukaemia virus (FLV), a murine model for AIDS. It was also foun d to restore interleukin 2 (IL-2) responsiveness and to induce IL-2 re ceptor under different experimental conditions. Moreover, MIMP restore d in vitro the suppressed immune responses mediated by a number of age nts released during stress, infection and inflammation. Some of these unique features suggest its clinical use in the treatment of rheumatoi d arthritis.