Copies of author's previously published articles inserted / Describes the exploratory clinical development of tucaresol, consisting of three studies performed on humans and subsequent in vitro and animal studies investigating the possible effects on the immune system. Demostrates that rational drug design may be an efficient way of selecting potential therapeutic candidates. / xxi, 265 leaves : / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Thesis (M.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology, 1995