The immunomodulatory effects of macrolides-A systematic review of the underlying mechanisms

Abstract

Background: The mechanisms underlying the non-antimicrobial immunomodulatory properties of macrolides are not well understood. Objectives: To systematically review the evidence for the immunomodulatory properties of macrolides in humans and to describe the underlying mechanism and extent of their influence on the innate and adaptive immune system. Methods: A systematic literature search was done in MEDLINE using the OVID interface from 1946 to December 2016 according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA). Original articles investigating the influence of four macrolides (azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, and roxithromycin) on immunologica..