Immunomodulatory Therapies in Chronic Infections

Abstract

Chronic infections, such as those caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites, represent a significant global health challenge, often leading to long-term morbidity and mortality. These infections persist due to the immune system’s inability to completely eliminate the pathogen, which results in a state of immune dysfunction or dysregulation. Immunomodulatory therapies aim to restore or enhance the immune response, enabling the host to control or eradicate these persistent infections. This article provides an overview of immunomodulatory therapies in chronic infections, focusing on their mechanisms, clinical applications, and challenges. We discuss various strategies, including cytokine modulation, immune checkpoint inhibition, and host-directed therapies, with examples from diseases like HIV, tuberculosis, and hepatitis C. This review highlights the need for personalized and combination therapies to manage chronic infections effectively.