Immunomodulation in horses

Nonspecific immunomodulators are substances that induce nonantigen-specific enhancement of the body's native or acquired defense mechanisms. Immunomod ulant preparations are most often used for treatment of chronic, viral, or bacterial infection with evidence of secondary immunosuppression. The propo sed mechanism of action of these products is macrophage activation and subs equent release of cytokines that enhance humoral and cell-mediated immunity . In equine medicine, nonspecific immunostimulant products are used for pre vention and treatment of infectious respiratory disease and treatment of sa rcoid skin tumors.