The Sound of Evolution
Imiquimod
Mechanism of action:
Imiquimod is a Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonist. Imiquimod acts on TLR7 within immune cells such as dendritic cells and macrophages. This receptor specifically recognizes single-stranded RNA viral signals. Once TLR7 is activated by imiquimod, it triggers the MyD88-dependent signaling pathway and promotes the production of multiple immune- and antiviral-related cytokines, including interferon-α (IFN-α), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukins such as IL-6 and IL-12.
Reference(s):
1. van Egmond S et al. (2007). Successful treatment of perianal Bowen's disease with imiquimod. Int J Dermatol.
2. Hemmi H et al. (2002). Small anti-viral compounds activate immune cells via the TLR7 MyD88-dependent signaling pathway. Nat Immunol.
3. Bilu D et al. (2003). Imiquimod: modes of action. Br J Dermatol.