Uses of halogenated xanthenes in oncology and virology

Abstract

A method for treating a viral infection of a mammalian subject that comprises administering a virus-inhibiting amount of a halogenated xanthene, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, an alkyl ester or amide or aromatic ester or amide derivative thereof as disclosed within, to that mammalian subject. A method of inducing a type I interferon response in a mammalian subject that presents with a microbial infection, cancerous tumor or hematological malignancy that comprises administering an amount of a halogenated xanthene as discussed above, effective to induce the type I interferon response. A method of enhancing a mammalian immunogen-specific immune response that comprises contacting mammalian cells, in vivo or present in a mammalian cell growth supporting medium, with an adjuvant-effective amount of a halogenated xanthene as discussed above, and an immunogen to which that response is to be enhanced.