Immunomodulating

Part of speech: adjective, verb

Definitions

1. Affecting or regulating the way the immune system responds, either stimulating or suppressing its activity
2. Describing agents or processes that change how the body's defenses against infection and disease operate
3. Capable of adjusting the strength or direction of immune reactions in a living organism

Etymology: "Immunomodulating" is a modern scientific compound, built from "immuno-", a combining form from "immune" with the Latin "immunis" meaning "exempt" or "free from a burden," and "modulating," the present participle of "modulate." The "modulate" part traces back to Latin "modulari," to measure or regulate rhythm and tone, from "modulus," a small measure. Put together, the word describes something that adjusts or regulates the workings of the immune system, whether by strengthening, dampening, or otherwise tuning its responses. Because it is a technical coinage assembled from existing parts, the word has no older life of its own. Its sense comes straight from the two halves: the "immuno-" element points to the body's defences, and "modulating" carries the idea of adjusting a system to a desired level rather than simply switching it on or off.

Synonyms: immunomodulatory, immunoregulatory