Cytokine therapeutics for infectious diseases

Cytokines are potent molecules, which function as growth factors and orches trate both innate and adaptive immune responses. Over the last two decades the number of molecules in this class have greatly expanded, and as the bio logy of these factors is better understood, several of these factors have e ntered the clinical arena to support or augment components of the immune re sponse. Recently the use of cytokines/growth factors has been studied in pa tients without a defective immune system but either have significant infect ion or infection with drug resistant organisms. The use of cytokines as adj uvants in the treatment of infectious diseases is reviewed both in the cont ext of protein and gene-based therapies.