Immunofan
Immune & Anti-InflammatoryAlso known as: Imunofan, Arg-Asp-Lys-Val-Tyr-Arg, Иммунофан, IP-1
Mechanism
Immunofan is a synthetic hexapeptide approved in Russia as a pharmaceutical immunomodulator. It works in three phases: first (within hours) it acts as an antioxidant, boosting cellular defenses against oxidative damage; then (over days) it stimulates the immune system by enhancing phagocytosis and restoring T-cell function; finally (over weeks) it helps normalize the balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory immune signals. It is used clinically in Russia for chronic infections, cancer adjuvant therapy, immunodeficiency states, and as a vaccine adjuvant.
Technical detail
Immunofan (arginyl-alpha-aspartyl-lysyl-valyl-tyrosyl-arginine) is a synthetic hexapeptide derived from a modified sequence of thymopoietin (residues 32-36 with added Arg). Three-phase mechanism: (1) Rapid phase (0-2 hours): activates the ceruloplasmin-transferrin antioxidant system, increases cellular glutathione, and stabilizes lipid peroxidation (protective against oxidative stress); (2) Intermediate phase (2-3 days): enhances phagocytic activity of macrophages and neutrophils via upregulation of cathepsin D and MHC II expression; restores CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio; increases intracellular calcium mobilization in immune cells; (3) Slow phase (7-10 days): normalizes immunoregulatory index (Th1/Th2 balance), stimulates IgA and IgG production while modulating IgE. Additionally, inhibits TNF-α synthesis and modulates NF-κB-mediated inflammatory gene expression. Registered in Russia for clinical use since 1996 for a wide range of indications including immunodeficiency, chronic infections, and oncology support.
Evidence
- moderate
Using regulatory peptide imunofan in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with diabetic foot syndrome
Tutel'ian et al. (2009) — Terapevticheskii Arkhiv — PMID: 20481041
In 69 patients with type 2 diabetes, diabetic foot syndrome, and retinal angiopathy, adding imunofan to standard therapy was associated with improved immune markers, reduced insulin resistance, better clinical and laboratory outcomes, and improved quality of life versus basic therapy alone.