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Pharmacology · Agents Regulating Immune Processes

Microbial-derived immunostimulants

Microbial-derived immunostimulants are medicinal products based on bacterial metabolic products or structural elements that activate the body's defense mechanisms. They stimulate both local mucosal immunity and systemic cellular and humoral responses. Drugs in this group are used for recurrent respiratory infections, ENT pathologies, and to accelerate reparative processes.

Bacterial lysatesBroncho-Vaxom contains lysed cells of 8 common respiratory pathogens.
Secretory IgABacterial lysates increase mucosal IgA levels and decrease allergic IgE.
Dual effectRibomunyl combines the specific vaccine-like effect of ribosomes with the phagocytic response of proteoglycans.
Tissue repairProdigiosan activates macrophages and regeneration, but is used exclusively in combination therapy.
3 min readFor medical studentsUpdated 09/24/2026
Material prepared by WhiteCoat Pro editorial team based on platform study guidesReviewed by medical editor: Aulov A. A., general practitioner · 09/24/2026

Bacterial lysates: Broncho-Vaxom

The first category of drugs is represented by lyophilized lysates—fragments of lysed bacterial cells. A classic representative of the group is Broncho-Vaxom, which includes components of 8 major respiratory pathogens (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus viridans, Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella ozaenae, Staphylococcus aureus, Moraxella catarrhalis).

The pharmacodynamics of the drug encompasses local and systemic immunity:

  • Cellular responses: activation of alveolar macrophages and peripheral monocytes occurs, along with an increase in the number and functional activity of T-lymphocytes.
  • Humoral response: the level of secretory IgA on the mucous membranes of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts increases. An antiallergic effect is noted due to a decrease in the concentration of IgE in the blood.
  • Cytokines and adhesion molecules: the production of IL-2, TNF, and IFN-γ is stimulated, as well as protective adhesion proteins.

The drug is indicated for recurrent respiratory tract infections (chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, tracheitis) and ENT pathologies (otitis media, rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis).

Ribosomal-proteoglycan complexes: Ribomunyl

Ribomunyl consists of ribosomes and membrane proteoglycans from four key pathogens (K. pneumoniae, S. pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, H. influenzae). It is characterized by a dual mechanism of action:

  1. Specific immunity (vaccine effect): the ribosomal part contains antigens identical to surface bacterial structural proteins, which induces the production of specific antibodies.
  2. Nonspecific immunity: membrane proteoglycans enhance phagocytic activity and stimulate general factors of nonspecific resistance.

The clinical application area of Ribomunyl is similar to that of Broncho-Vaxom—the prevention and treatment of infectious processes in the ENT organs and respiratory tract.

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Lipopolysaccharide immunomodulators: Prodigiosan

Prodigiosan is a high-polymer lipopolysaccharide complex derived from the microorganism Bacillus prodigiosum.

Its pharmacological action targets the following links:

  • B-cell immunity system: stimulates the proliferation of B-lymphocytes and their differentiation into plasma cells, leading to enhanced antibody synthesis.
  • Phagocytosis: activates macrophages, increasing their phagocytic and killer potential.
  • Humoral factors and endocrine response: increases the levels of interferon, complement, and lysozyme (most pronounced upon inhalation administration), and stimulates adrenal cortex function.

Special note: Prodigiosan is not used as monotherapy—it is prescribed only as part of combination treatment. The main indications are slow-healing trophic ulcers, accelerating granulation formation, and tissue healing after surgical interventions.

How to memorize

The "B-R-P" rule: - Broncho-Vaxom — Bronchi and ENT (Lysate of 8 bacteria, IgA up, IgE down). - Ribomunyl — Ribosomes (vaccine) + Proteoglycans (phagocytosis). - Prodigiosan — B-cell Proliferation into Plasma cells, Wound assistance (in Combination only!).

Class and exam questions

What is the dual mechanism of action of Ribomunyl?

The ribosomal component of the drug provides a vaccine effect through surface bacterial antigens, inducing the production of specific antibodies, while membrane proteoglycans nonspecifically enhance phagocytosis.

How does Broncho-Vaxom affect immunoglobulins and cytokines?

It increases the production of secretory IgA on mucous membranes, decreases the level of allergic IgE in the blood, and activates the production of cytokines (IL-2, TNF, IFN-γ).

Can Prodigiosan be used in monotherapy?

No, Prodigiosan is strictly not used as a standalone drug. It is used exclusively as part of combination therapy.

Under what conditions is Prodigiosan indicated?

It is used in the complex treatment of slow-healing trophic ulcers, as well as to stimulate granulation and tissue repair after surgical interventions.

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What else to study on this topic

  • Spectrum of bacterial pathogens in Broncho-Vaxom
  • Effect of Broncho-Vaxom on alveolar macrophages and T-lymphocytes
  • Specific and nonspecific components of Ribomunyl's action
  • Differentiation of B-lymphocytes into plasma cells under the action of Prodigiosan
  • Features of inhalation administration of Prodigiosan and lysozyme production
  • Use of Prodigiosan for tissue repair and granulation after surgeries

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