Topical imiquimod: mechanism of action and clinical applications

Imiquimod is a synthetic imidazoquinoline heterocyclic amine of 240.3 Da (C14H16N4). Imiquimod is a cytokine inducer and a modifier of the innate immune response, as well as acquired antiviral and antitumor immune responses. Imiquimod 5% cream has proven to be an effective treatment for external genital warts, superficial basal cell carcinoma, and actinic keratosis.