What is the dual mechanism of action of Ribomunyl?

The ribosomal component provides a vaccine-like effect via surface bacterial antigens, inducing specific antibody production, while the membrane proteoglycans non-specifically enhance phagocytosis.

How does Broncho-Vaxom affect immunoglobulins and cytokines?

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

Can Prodigiosan be used as monotherapy?

No, Prodigiosan is strictly not used as a single agent. It is applied exclusively as part of combination therapy.

In which 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 procedures.

Home › Pharmacology › Microbial Immunostimulants

Microbial Immunostimulants

For medical students2 min readUpdated 2026-10-10

Microbial immunostimulants are pharmacological agents derived from bacterial byproducts or structural components that enhance host defense mechanisms. They stimulate both local mucosal immunity and systemic cellular and humoral responses. These agents are commonly used for recurrent respiratory tract infections, ENT pathologies, and to accelerate tissue repair.

Bacterial LysatesBroncho-Vaxom contains fragments 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 tissue regeneration, but is strictly used in combination therapy.

Bacterial Lysates: Broncho-Vaxom

The first category of agents consists of lyophilized lysates—fragments of disrupted bacterial cells. A classic representative 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 affect both local and systemic immunity:

Cellular responses: Activation of alveolar macrophages and peripheral monocytes, accompanied by an increase in the number and functional activity of T-lymphocytes.
Humoral response: Elevated levels of secretory IgA on the mucous membranes of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. An anti-allergic effect is noted due to a reduction in blood IgE concentration.
Cytokines and adhesion molecules: Stimulation of IL-2, TNF, and IFN-γ production, 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:

Specific immunity (vaccinating effect): The ribosomal component contains antigens identical to surface bacterial structural proteins, inducing the production of specific antibodies.
Non-specific immunity: Membrane proteoglycans enhance phagocytic activity and stimulate general factors of non-specific resistance.

The clinical indications for Ribomunyl are similar to those of Broncho-Vaxom—the prevention and treatment of infectious processes in the upper and lower respiratory tracts.

Lipopolysaccharide Immunomodulators: Prodigiosan

Prodigiosan is a high-molecular-weight lipopolysaccharide complex obtained from the microorganism Bacillus prodigiosum (Serratia marcescens).

Its pharmacological action targets the following immune links:

B-cell immunity: Stimulates the proliferation of B-lymphocytes and their differentiation into plasma cells, leading to enhanced antibody synthesis.
Phagocytosis: Activates macrophages, increasing their phagocytic and microbicidal potential.
Humoral factors and endocrine response: Increases levels of interferon, complement, and lysozyme (most pronounced with 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 include slow-healing trophic ulcers, acceleration of granulation tissue formation, and tissue healing following surgical interventions.

Mnemonic

The "B-R-P" Rule:

Broncho-Vaxom — Bronchi and ENT (Lysate of 8 bacteria, IgA up, IgE down).
Ribomunyl — Ribosomes (vaccine) + Proteoglycans (phagocytosis).
Prodigiosan — Proliferation of B-cells into Plasma cells, Promotion of wound healing (Combination therapy only!).

Frequently asked questions

What is the dual mechanism of action of Ribomunyl?: The ribosomal component provides a vaccine-like effect via surface bacterial antigens, inducing specific antibody production, while the membrane proteoglycans non-specifically enhance phagocytosis.
How does Broncho-Vaxom affect immunoglobulins and cytokines?: It increases the production of secretory IgA on mucous membranes, decreases blood levels of allergic IgE, and activates the production of cytokines (IL-2, TNF, IFN-γ).
Can Prodigiosan be used as monotherapy?: No, Prodigiosan is strictly not used as a single agent. It is applied exclusively as part of combination therapy.
In which 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 procedures.

Go deeper

Spectrum of bacterial pathogens in Broncho-Vaxom
Effect of Broncho-Vaxom on alveolar macrophages and T-lymphocytes
Specific and non-specific components of Ribomunyl action
Differentiation of B-lymphocytes into plasma cells induced by Prodigiosan
Features of inhalation administration of Prodigiosan and lysozyme production
Application of Prodigiosan for tissue repair and granulation post-surgery