ScienceAugust 27, 2026

immunomodulators

im-YOO-noh-mod-yuh-lay-turz

Definition

Substances that modify or regulate the immune system's response, often by enhancing or suppressing its activity to treat disease.

Etymology

The word is formed from the Latin 'immunis' (exempt or free) combined with 'modulate,' from the Latin 'modulari' (to measure or regulate). It entered scientific English in the 20th century to describe agents that influence the immune system's function.

In the news

In this article, immunomodulators are mentioned as one of the medically significant, biologically active compounds that researchers aim to extract from newly isolated fungal strains.

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Earth Island Institute

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