Therapeutic agents - II

A method for the immunopotentiation of a subject, said method comprising the administration to said subject of a symptom-ameliorating effective amount of a chemical agent obtainable from a plant of the Euphorbiaceae family or a derivative or chemical analogue thereof which chemical agent is a macrocyclic diterpene selected from compounds of the ingenane, pepluane and jatrophane families and which chemical agent or derivative or chemical analogue is represented by any one of the general formulae (I)-(V):

• 13
• wherein:
• n is 0-10 atoms selected from carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, silicon, boron, arsenic and selenium, wherein the ring defined by said atoms is saturated or unsaturated, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A-T are independently selected from hydrogen, R1, R2, R3, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OR1, SR1, NR1R2, N(═O)2, NR1OR2, ONR1R2, SOR1, SO2R1, SO3R1,
• SONR1R2, SO2NR1R2, SO3NR1R2, P(R1)3, P(═O)(R1)3, Si(R1)3, B(R1)2, (C═X)R3 or X(C═X)R3 where X is selected from sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen;
• R1 and R2 are each independently selected from C1-C20 alkyl (branched and/or straight chained), C1-C20 arylalkyl, C3-C8 cycloalkyl, C6-C14 aryl, C1-C14 heteroaryl, C)-C14 heterocycle, C2-C10 alkenyl (branched and/or straight chained), C2-C10 alkynyl (branched and/or straight chained), C1-C10 heteroarylalkyl, C1-C10 alkoxyalkyl, C1-C10 haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, haloalkoxy, C1-C10 [CN, OR1, SR1, NR1R2, N(O)2, NR1OR2, ONR1R2, SOR1, SO2R1, SO3R1, SONR1R2, SO2NR1R2, SO3NR1R2, P(R1)3, P(═O)(R1)3, Si(R1)3, B(R1)2]alkyl;
• R3 is selected from R1, R2, CN, COR1, CO2R1, OR1, SR1, NR1R2, N(═O)2, NR1OR2, ONR1R2, SOR1, SO2R1, SO3R1, SONR1R2, SO2NR1R2, SO3NR1R2, P(R1)3, P(═O)(R1)3, Si(R1)3, B(R1)2;
• A connected to B (or g), D (or D, R (or Q), P (or 9) or S (or D is a selection of C1-C8 disubstituted (fused) saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic rings further substituted by R3, (C═X)R3 and X(C═X)R3, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• J connected to I (or H), G (or F), K (or L), M (or N) or S (or T) is a selection of C1-C8 disubstituted (fused) saturated and unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic rings further substituted by R3, (C═X)R3 and X(C═X)R3, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• D (or g connected to B (or C) or G (or F);
• I (or H) connected to G (or F);
• P (or O) connected to R (or Q) or M (or N);
• K (or L) connected to N (or M) is a selection of C1-C8 disubstituted (fused) saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic rings substituted by R3, (C═X)R3 and X(C═X)R3, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• B and C, D and E, R and Q, P and O, I and H, G and F, K and L, M and N or S and T are ═X where X is selected from sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen, NR1R2, and ═CR1R2
• 14
• wherein:
• n is 0-10 atoms selected from carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, silicon, boron, arsenic and selenium, wherein the ring defined by said atoms is saturated or unsaturated, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A′-T′ are independently selected from hydrogen, R4, R5, R6, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, COR4, CO2R4, OR4, SR4, NR4R5, CONR4R5, N(═O)2, NR4OR5, ONR4R5, SOR4, SO2R4, SO3R4, SONR4R5, SO2NR4R5, SO3NR4R5, P(R4)3, P(═O)(R4)3, Si(R4)3, B(R4)2, (C=X)R6 or X(C=X)R6 where X is selected from sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen;
• R4 and R5 are each independently selected from C1-C20 alkyl (branched and/or straight chained), C1-C20 arylalkyl, C3-C8 cycloalkyl, C6-C14 aryl, C1-C14 heteroaryl, C1-C14 heterocycle, C2-C10 alkenyl (branched and/or straight chained), C2-C10 alkynyl (branched and/or straight chained), C1-C10 heteroarylalkyl, C1-C10 alkoxyalkyl, C1-C10 haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, haloalkoxy, C1-C10[CN, OR4, SR4, NR4R5, N(═O)2, NR4OR5, ONR4R5, SOR4, SO2R4, SO3R4,
• SONR4R5, SO2NR4R5, SO3NR4R5, P(R4)3, P(═O)(R4)3, Si(R4)3, B(R4)2]alkyl;
• R6 is selected from R4, R5, CN, COR4, CO2R4, OR4, SR4, NR4R5, N(═O)2, NR4OR5, ONR4R5, SOR4, SO2R4, SO3R4, SONR4R5, SO2NR4R5, SO3NR4R5, P(R4)3, P(═O)(R4)3, Si(R4)3, B(R4)2;
• E′ and R′ or H′ and O′ is a C2-C8 saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system further substituted by R6, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• O′ connected to M′ (or N′) or Q′ (or P′);
• R′ connected to Q′ (or P′) or S′ (or T′);
• S′ (or T′) connected to A′ (or B′);
• A′ (or B′) connected to C′ (or D′);
• E′ connected to C′ (or D′) or F′ (or G′);
• H′ connected to I′;
• I′ connected to J′;
• J′ connected to K′;
• K′ connected to L′;
• L′ connected to M′ (or N′) are C1-C8 disubstituted (fused) saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems further substituted by R6, (C═X)R6 and X(C═X)R6, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A′, B′ and C′, D′ and F′, G′ and M′, N′ and P′, Q′ and S′, T′ are ═X where X is selected from sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen, NR4R5, (C═X)R6, X(C═X)R6, and ═CR7R;
• R7 and R8 are each independently selected from R6, (C═X)R6 and X(C═X)R6
• 15
• wherein:
• n is 0-10 atoms selected from carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, silicon, boron, arsenic and selenium, wherein the ring defined by said atoms is saturated or unsaturated, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A1-T1 are independently selected from hydrogen, R9, R10, R11, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OR9, SR9, NR9R10, N(═O)2, NR9OR10, ONR9R10, SOR9, SO2R9, SO3R9, SONR9R10, SO2NR9R10, SO3NR9R10, P(R9)3, P(═O)(R9)3, Si(R9)3, B(R9)2, (C═X)R1 or X(C═X)R11 where X is selected from sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen;
• R9 and R10 are each independently selected from C1-C20 alkyl (branched and straight chained), C1-C20 arylalkyl, C3-C8 cycloalkyl, C6-C14 aryl, C1-C14 heteroaryl, C1-C14 heterocycle, C2-C10 alkenyl (branched and straight chained), C2-C10 alkynyl (branched and straight chained), C1-C10 heteroarylalkyl, C1-C10 alkoxyalkyl, C1-C10 haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, haloalkoxy, C1-C10 [CN, OR9, SR9, NR9R10, N(═O)2, NR9OR10, ONR9R10, SOR9, SO2R9, SO3R9, SONR9R10, SO2NR9R10, SO3NR9R10, P(R9)3, P(═O)(R9)3, Si(R9)3, B(R9)2]alkyl;
• R11 is selected from R9, R10, CN, COR9, CO2R9, OR9, SR9, NR9R10, N(═O)2, NR9OR10, ONR9R10, SOR9, SO2R9, SO3R9, SONR9R10, SO2NR9R10, SO3NR9R10, P(R9)3, P(═O)(R9)3, Si(R9)3, B(R9)2;
• B1 and R1, E1 and Ö1 and Ë1 and M1 are selected from a C2-C8 saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system further substituted by R11, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A1 (or Ä1) connected to Á1 (or Ã1) or T1 (or S1);
• B1 connected to Á1 (or Ã1) or C1 (or D1). E1 connected to Ë1 or C1 (or D1);
• Ë1 connected to É1 (or F1);
• G1 (or H1) connected to É1 (or F1) or I1 (or J1);
• K1 (or L1) connected to I1 (or J1) or M1;
• M1 connected to O1 (or N1);
• Ö1 connected O1 (or N1) or P1 (or Q1);
• R1 connected P1 (or Q1) or S1 (or T1) are C1-C8 disubstituted (fused) saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems further substituted by R11, (C═X)R1 and X(C═X)R11, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A1, Ä and Á, Ã and C1, D1 and F1, É and G1, H1 and I1, J1 and K1, L1 and N1, O1 and P1, Q1 and S1, T1 are ═X where X is selected from sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen, NR9R10, including (C═X)R11 and X(C═X)R11, and ═CR12R13;
• R12 and R13 are independently selected from R11, (C═X)R11, and X(C═X)R11
• 16
• wherein:
• n is 0-10 atoms selected from carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, silicon, boron, arsenic and selenium, wherein the ring defined by said atoms is saturated or unsaturated, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A2-X2 are independently selected from hydrogen, R14, R15, R16, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OR14, SR14, NR14R15, N(═O)2, NR14OR15, ONR14R15, SOR14, SO2R14, SO3R14, SONR14R15, SO2NR14R15, SO3NR14R15, P(R14)3, P(═O)(R4)3, Si(R14)3, B(R14), (C═Y)R16 or Y(C═Y)R16 where Y is selected from sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen;
• R14 and R15 are each independently selected from C1-C20 alkyl (branched and/or straight chained), C1-C20 arylalkyl, C3-C8 cycloalkyl, C6-C14 aryl, C1-C14 heteroaryl, C1-C14 heterocycle, C2-C10 alkenyl (branched and/or straight chained), C2-C10 alkynyl (branched and/or straight chained), C1-C10 heteroarylalkyl, C1-C10 alkoxyalkyl, C1-C10 haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, haloalkoxy, C1-C10[CN, OR14, SR14, NR14R10, N(═O)2, NR14OR15, ONR14R15, SOR14, SO2R14, SO3R14, SONR14R15, SO2NR14R15, SO3NR14R15, P(R14)3, P(═O)(R14)3, Si(R14)3, B(R14)2]alkyl;
• R16 is selected from R14, R15, CN, COR14, CO2R15, OR14, SR14, NR14R15, N(═O)2, NR14OR15, ONR14R15, SOR14, SO2R14, SO3R14, SONR14R15, SO2NR14R15, SO3NR14R15, P(R14)3, P(═O)(R14)3, Si(R14)3, B(R14)2;
• E2 and V2, H2 and S2, and I2 and P2 are C2-C8 saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system further substituted by R16, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A2 (or B2) connected to C2 (or D2) or W2 (or X2);
• E2 connected to C2 (or D2) or F2 (or G2);
• H2 connected to F2 (or G2) or I2;
• I2 connected to J2 (or K2);
• L2 or M2) connected to J2 (or K2) or N2 (or O2);
• R2 (or Q2) connected to P2 or S2;
• V2 connected to U2 (or T2) or W2 (or X2) are C1-C9 disubstituted (fused) saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems further substituted by R16, (C═Y)R16 and Y(C═Y)R16, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A2, B2;
• C2, D2;
• F2, G2;
• J2, K2;
• L2, M2;
• N2, O2;
• Q2, R2;
• U2, T2 and X2, W2 are ═Y where Y is selected from sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen, NR14R15 and ═CR17R18;
• R17 and R19 are independently selected from R16, (C═Y)R16 and Y(C═Y)R16
• 17
• wherein:
• n is 0-10 atoms selected from carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, silicon, boron, arsenic and selenium, wherein the ring defined by said atoms is saturated or unsaturated, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A3-Z3 are independently selected from hydrogen, Rig, R20, R21, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OR19 9, SR19, NR19R20, N(═O)2, NR19OR20, ONR19R20, SOR19, SO2R19, SO3R19, SONR19R20, SO2NR19R20, SO3NR19R20, P(R19)3, P(O)(R19)3, Si(R19)3, B(R19)2, (C=Ø)R21 or Ø(C=Ø)R21 where Ø is sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen;
• R19 and R20 are each independently selected from C1-C20 alkyl (branched and/or straight chained), C1-C20 arylalkyl, C3-C8 cycloalkyl, C6-C14 aryl, C1-C14 heteroaryl, C1-C14 heterocycle, C2-C10 alkenyl (branched and/or straight chained), C2-C10 alkynyl (branched and/or straight chained), C1-C10 heteroarylalkyl, C1-C10 alkoxyalkyl, C1-C10 haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, haloalkoxy, C1-C10 [CN, OR19, SR19, NR19R20, N(═O)2, NR19OR20, ONR19R20, SOR19, SO2R19, SO3R19, SONR19R20, SO2NR19R20, SO3NR19R20, P(R19)3, P(═O)(R19)3, Si(R19)3, B(R19)2]alkyl;
• R21 is selected from R19, R20, CN, COR19, CO2R19, OR19, SR19, NR19R20, N(═O)2, NR19OR20, ONR19R20, SOR19, SO2R19, SO3R19, SONR19R20, SO2NR19R20, SO3NR19R20, P(R19)3, P(═O)(R19)3, Si(R19)3, B(R19)2;
• D3 connected to X3 is a C2-C8 saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system further substituted by R21, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A3 (or Ä3 connected to B3 (or C3) or Z3 (or Y3);
• D3 connected to B3 (or C3) or E3 (or F3);
• G3 (or H3) connected to E3 (or F3) or I3 (or J3);
• L3 (or K3) connected to I3 (or J3) or M3 (or N3);
• O3 (or Ö3) connected to N3 (or M3) or P3 (or Q3). S3 (or R3) connected to Q3 (or P3) or U3 (or T3). W3 (or V3) connected to U3 (or T3 or X3;
• X3 connected to Y3 (or Z3) are C1-C8 disubstituted (fused) saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems further substituted by R21, (C=Ø)R21 and Ø(C=Ø)R21, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A3, Ä3;
• B3, C3;
• E3, F3;
• G3, H3;
• I3, J3;
• K3, L3;
• M3, N3;
• O3, Ö3;
• Q3, P3, S3, R3, U3, T3, W3, V3, and Z3, Y3 are =Ø where Ø is selected from sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen, NR19R20, and ═CR22R23;
• and
• R22 and R23 are selected from R21, (C=Ø)R21 and Ø(C=Ø)R21;
• and which chemical agent or derivative or chemical analogue thereof is capable of modulating PKC activity, PKC-dependent gene expression or PKC enzyme turnover and wherein said chemical agent or its derivatives or chemical analogues is administered for a time and under conditions sufficient to potentiate the immune system or components herein.

A method for the immunopotentiation of a subject in the treatment and prophylaxis of said subject, said method comprising the administration to said subject of a symptom-ameliorating effective amount of a chemical agent obtainable from a plant of the Euphorbiaceae family or a derivative or chemical analogue thereof which chemical agent is a macrocyclic diterpene selected from compounds of the ingenane, pepluane and jatrophane families and which chemical agent or derivative or chemical analogue is represented by any one of the general formulae (I)-(V):—

• 19
• wherein:
• n is 0-10 atoms selected from carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, silicon, boron, arsenic and selenium, wherein the ring defined by said atoms is saturated or unsaturated, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A-T are independently selected from hydrogen, R1, R2, R3, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OR1, SR1, NR1R2, N(═O)2, NR1OR2, ONR1R2, SOR1, SO2R1, SO3R1,
• SONR1R2, SO2NR1R2, SO3NR1R2, P(R1)3, P(═O)(R1)3, Si(R1)3, B(R1)2, (C═X)R3 or X(C═X)R3 where X is selected from sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen;
• R1 and R2 are each independently selected from C1-C20 alkyl (branched and/or straight chained), C1-C20 arylalkyl, C3-C8 cycloalkyl, C6-C14 aryl, C1-C14 heteroaryl, C)-C14 heterocycle, C2-C10 alkenyl (branched and/or straight chained), C2-C10 alkynyl (branched and/or straight chained), C1-C10 heteroarylalkyl, C1-C10 alkoxyalkyl, C1-C10 haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, haloalkoxy, C1-C10 [CN, OR1, SR1, NR1R2, N(O)2, NR1OR2, ONR1R2, SOR1, SO2R1, SO3R1, SONR1R2, SO2NR1R2, SO3NR1R2, P(R1)3, P(═O)(R1)3, Si(R1)3, B(R1)2]alkyl;
• R3 is selected from R1, R2, CN, COR1, CO2R1, OR1, SR1, NR1R2, N(═O)2, NR1OR2, ONR1R2, SOR1, SO2R1, SO3R1, SONR1R2, SO2NR1R2, SO3NR1R2, P(R1)3, P(═O)(R1)3, Si(R1)3, B(R1)2;
• A connected to B (or g), D (or D, R (or Q), P (or 9) or S (or D is a selection of C1-C8 disubstituted (fused) saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic rings further substituted by R3, (C═X)R3 and X(C═X)R3, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• J connected to I (or H), G (or F), K (or L), M (or N) or S (or T) is a selection of C1-C8 disubstituted (fused) saturated and unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic rings further substituted by R3, (C═X)R3 and X(C═X)R3, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• D (or g connected to B (or C) or G (or F);
• I (or H) connected to G (or F);
• P (or O) connected to R (or Q) or M (or N);
• K (or L) connected to N (or M) is a selection of C1-C8 disubstituted (fused) saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic rings substituted by R3, (C═X)R3 and X(C═X)R3, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• B and C, D and E, R and Q, P and O, I and H, G and F, K and L, M and N or S and T are ═X where X is selected from sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen, NR1R2, and ═CR1R2
• 20
• wherein:
• n is 0-10 atoms selected from carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, silicon, boron, arsenic and selenium, wherein the ring defined by said atoms is saturated or unsaturated, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A′-T′ are independently selected from hydrogen, R4, R5, R6, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, COR4, CO2R4, OR4, SR4, NR4R5, CONR4R5, N(═O)2, NR4OR5, ONR4R5, SOR4, SO2R4, SO3R4, SONR4R5, SO2NR4R5, SO3NR4R5, P(R4)3, P(═O)(R4)3, Si(R4)3, B(R4)2, (C=X)R6 or X(C=X)R6 where X is selected from sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen;
• R4 and R5 are each independently selected from C1-C20 alkyl (branched and/or straight chained), C1-C20 arylalkyl, C3-C8 cycloalkyl, C6-C14 aryl, C1-C14 heteroaryl, C1-C14 heterocycle, C2-C10 alkenyl (branched and/or straight chained), C2-C10 alkynyl (branched and/or straight chained), C1-C10 heteroarylalkyl, C1-C10 alkoxyalkyl, C1-C10 haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, haloalkoxy, C1-C10[CN, OR4, SR4, NR4R5, N(═O)2, NR4OR5, ONR4R5, SOR4, SO2R4, SO3R4,
• SONR4R5, SO2NR4R5, SO3NR4R5, P(R4)3, P(═O)(R4)3, Si(R4)3, B(R4)2]alkyl;
• R6 is selected from R4, R5, CN, COR4, CO2R4, OR4, SR4, NR4R5, N(═O)2, NR4OR5, ONR4R5, SOR4, SO2R4, SO3R4, SONR4R5, SO2NR4R5, SO3NR4R5, P(R4)3, P(═O)(R4)3, Si(R4)3, B(R4)2;
• E′ and R′ or H′ and O′ is a C2-C8 saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system further substituted by R6, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• O′ connected to M′ (or N′) or Q′ (or P′);
• R′ connected to Q′ (or P′) or S′ (or T′);
• S′ (or T′) connected to A′ (or B′);
• A′ (or B′) connected to C′ (or D′);
• E′ connected to C′ (or D′) or F′ (or G′);
• H′ connected to I′;
• I′ connected to J′;
• J′ connected to K′;
• K′ connected to L′;
• L′ connected to M′ (or N′) are C1-C8 disubstituted (fused) saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems further substituted by R6, (C═X)R6 and X(C═X)R6, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A′, B′ and C′, D′ and F′, G′ and M′, N′ and P′, Q′ and S′, T′ are ═X where X is selected from sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen, NR4R5, (C═X)R6, X(C═X)R6, and ═CR7R;
• R7 and R8 are each independently selected from R6, (C═X)R6 and X(C═X)R6
• 21
• wherein:
• n is 0-10 atoms selected from carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, silicon, boron, arsenic and selenium, wherein the ring defined by said atoms is saturated or unsaturated, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A1-T1 are independently selected from hydrogen, R9, R10, R11, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OR9, SR9, NR9R10, N(═O)2, NR9OR10, ONR9R10, SOR9, SO2R9, SO3R9, SONR9R10, SO2NR9R10, SO3NR9R10, P(R9)3, P(═O)(R9)3, Si(R9)3, B(R9)2, (C═X)R1 or X(C═X)R11 where X is selected from sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen;
• R9 and R10 are each independently selected from C1-C20 alkyl (branched and straight chained), C1-C20 arylalkyl, C3-C8 cycloalkyl, C6-C14 aryl, C1-C14 heteroaryl, C1-C14 heterocycle, C2-C10 alkenyl (branched and straight chained), C2-C10 alkynyl (branched and straight chained), C1-C10 heteroarylalkyl, C1-C10 alkoxyalkyl, C1-C10 haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, haloalkoxy, C1-C10 [CN, OR9, SR9, NR9R10, N(═O)2, NR9OR10, ONR9R10, SOR9, SO2R9, SO3R9, SONR9R10, SO2NR9R10, SO3NR9R10, P(R9)3, P(═O)(R9)3, Si(R9)3, B(R9)2]alkyl;
• R11 is selected from R9, R10, CN, COR9, CO2R9, OR9, SR9, NR9R10, N(═O)2, NR9OR10, ONR9R10, SOR9, SO2R9, SO3R9, SONR9R10, SO2NR9R10, SO3NR9R10, P(R9)3, P(═O)(R9)3, Si(R9)3, B(R9)2;
• B1 and R1, E1 and Ö1 and Ë1 and M1 are selected from a C2-C8 saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system further substituted by R11, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A1 (or Ä1) connected to Á1 (or Ã1) or T1 (or S1);
• B1 connected to Á1 (or Ã1) or C1 (or D1). E1 connected to Ë1 or C1 (or D1);
• Ë1 connected to É1 (or F1);
• G1 (or H1) connected to É1 (or F1) or I1 (or J1);
• K1 (or L1) connected to I1 (or J1) or M1;
• M1 connected to O1 (or N1);
• Ö1 connected O1 (or N1) or P1 (or Q1);
• R1 connected P1 (or Q1) or S1 (or T1) are C1-C8 disubstituted (fused) saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems further substituted by R11, (C═X)R1 and X(C═X)R11, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A1, Ä and Á, Ã and C1, D1 and F1, É and G1, H1 and I1, J1 and K1, L1 and N1, O1 and P1, Q1 and S1, T1 are ═X where X is selected from sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen, NR9R10, including (C═X)R11 and X(C═X)R11, and ═CR12R13;
• R12 and R13 are independently selected from R11, (C═X)R11, and X(C═X)R11
• 22
• wherein:
• n is 0-10 atoms selected from carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, silicon, boron, arsenic and selenium, wherein the ring defined by said atoms is saturated or unsaturated, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A2-X2 are independently selected from hydrogen, R14, R15, R16, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OR14, SR14, NR14R15, N(═O)2, NR14OR15, ONR14R15, SOR14, SO2R14, SO3R14, SONR14R15, SO2NR14R15, SO3NR14R15, P(R14)3, P(═O)(R4)3, Si(R14)3, B(R14), (C═Y)R16 or Y(C═Y)R16 where Y is selected from sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen;
• R14 and R15 are each independently selected from C1-C20 alkyl (branched and/or straight chained), C1-C20 arylalkyl, C3-C8 cycloalkyl, C6-C14 aryl, C1-C14 heteroaryl, C1-C14 heterocycle, C2-C10 alkenyl (branched and/or straight chained), C2-C10 alkynyl (branched and/or straight chained), C1-C10 heteroarylalkyl, C1-C10 alkoxyalkyl, C1-C10 haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, haloalkoxy, C1-C10[CN, OR14, SR14, NR14R10, N(═O)2, NR14OR15, ONR14R15, SOR14, SO2R14, SO3R14, SONR14R15, SO2NR14R15, SO3NR14R15, P(R14)3, P(═O)(R14)3, Si(R14)3, B(R14)2]alkyl;
• R16 is selected from R14, R15, CN, COR14, CO2R15, OR14, SR14, NR14R15, N(═O)2, NR14OR15, ONR14R15, SOR14, SO2R14, SO3R14, SONR14R15, SO2NR14R15, SO3NR14R15, P(R14)3, P(═O)(R14)3, Si(R14)3, B(R14)2;
• E2 and V2, H2 and S2, and I2 and P2 are C2-C8 saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system further substituted by R16, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A2 (or B2) connected to C2 (or D2) or W2 (or X2);
• E2 connected to C2 (or D2) or F2 (or G2);
• H2 connected to F2 (or G2) or I2;
• I2 connected to J2 (or K2);
• L2 or M2) connected to J2 (or K2) or N2 (or O2);
• R2 (or Q2) connected to P2 or S2;
• V2 connected to U2 (or T2) or W2 (or X2) are C1-C9 disubstituted (fused) saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems further substituted by R16, (C═Y)R16 and Y(C═Y)R16, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A2, B2;
• C2, D2;
• F2, G2;
• J2, K2;
• L2, M2;
• N2, O2;
• Q2, R2;
• U2, T2 and X2, W2 are ═Y where Y is selected from sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen, NR14R15 and ═CR17R18;
• R17 and R19 are independently selected from R16, (C═Y)R16 and Y(C═Y)R16
• 23
• wherein:
• n is 0-10 atoms selected from carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, silicon, boron, arsenic and selenium, wherein the ring defined by said atoms is saturated or unsaturated, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A3-Z3 are independently selected from hydrogen, Rig, R20, R21, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OR19 9, SR19, NR19R20, N(═O)2, NR19OR20, ONR19R20, SOR19, SO2R19, SO3R19, SONR19R20, SO2NR19R20, SO3NR19R20, P(R19)3, P(O)(R19)3, Si(R19)3, B(R19)2, (C=Ø)R21 or Ø(C=Ø)R21 where Ø is sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen;
• R19 and R20 are each independently selected from C1-C20 alkyl (branched and/or straight chained), C1-C20 arylalkyl, C3-C8 cycloalkyl, C6-C14 aryl, C1-C14 heteroaryl, C1-C14 heterocycle, C2-C10 alkenyl (branched and/or straight chained), C2-C10 alkynyl (branched and/or straight chained), C1-C10 heteroarylalkyl, C1-C10 alkoxyalkyl, C1-C10 haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, haloalkoxy, C1-C10 [CN, OR19, SR19, NR19R20, N(═O)2, NR19OR20, ONR19R20, SOR19, SO2R19, SO3R19, SONR19R20, SO2NR19R20, SO3NR19R20, P(R19)3, P(═O)(R19)3, Si(R19)3, B(R19)2]alkyl;
• R21 is selected from R19, R20, CN, COR19, CO2R19, OR19, SR19, NR19R20, N(═O)2, NR19OR20, ONR19R20, SOR19, SO2R19, SO3R19, SONR19R20, SO2NR19R20, SO3NR19R20, P(R19)3, P(═O)(R19)3, Si(R19)3, B(R19)2;
• D3 connected to X3 is a C2-C8 saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system further substituted by R21, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A3 (or Ä3 connected to B3 (or C3) or Z3 (or Y3);
• D3 connected to B3 (or C3) or E3 (or F3);
• G3 (or H3) connected to E3 (or F3) or I3 (or J3);
• L3 (or K3) connected to I3 (or J3) or M3 (or N3);
• O3 (or Ö3) connected to N3 (or M3) or P3 (or Q3). S3 (or R3) connected to Q3 (or P3) or U3 (or T3). W3 (or V3) connected to U3 (or T3 or X3;
• X3 connected to Y3 (or Z3) are C1-C8 disubstituted (fused) saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems further substituted by R21, (C=Ø)R21 and Ø(C=Ø)R21, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A3, Ä3;
• B3, C3;
• E3, F3;
• G3, H3;
• I3, J3;
• K3, L3;
• M3, N3;
• O3, Ö3;
• Q3, P3, S3, R3, U3, T3, W3, V3, and Z3, Y3 are =Ø where Ø is selected from sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen, NR19R20, and ═CR22R23;
• and
• R22 and R23 are selected from R21, (C=Ø)R21 and Ø(C=Ø)R21;
• and which chemical agent or derivative or chemical analogue thereof is capable of modulating PKC activity, PKC-dependent gene expression or PKC enzyme turnover and wherein said chemical agent or its derivatives or chemical analogues is administered for a time and under conditions sufficient to potentiate the immune system or components herein.

A method for the treatment or prophylaxis of an inflammatory condition and/or a method for the immunopotentiation of a subject, said method comprising the administration to said subject of a symptom-ameliorating or immunopotentiating effective amount of a macrocyclic diterpene obtainable from a Euphorbiaceae plant or its botanical or horticultural relative, said macrocyclic diterpene being selected from an ingenane, pepluane or jatrophane, or a derivative or chemical analogue thereof, having the structure represented by any one of the general formulae (I)-(V)

• 25
• wherein:
• n is 0-10 atoms selected from carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, silicon, boron, arsenic and selenium, wherein the ring defined by said atoms is saturated or unsaturated, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A-T are independently selected from hydrogen, R1, R2, R3, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OR1, SR1, NR1R2, N(═O)2, NR1OR2, ONR1R2, SOR1, SO2R1, SO3R1,
• SONR1R2, SO2NR1R2, SO3NR1R2, P(R1)3, P(═O)(R1)3, Si(R1)3, B(R1)2, (C═X)R3 or X(C═X)R3 where X is selected from sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen;
• R1 and R2 are each independently selected from C1-C20 alkyl (branched and/or straight chained), C1-C20 arylalkyl, C3-C8 cycloalkyl, C6-C14 aryl, C1-C14 heteroaryl, C)-C14 heterocycle, C2-C10 alkenyl (branched and/or straight chained), C2-C10 alkynyl (branched and/or straight chained), C1-C10 heteroarylalkyl, C1-C10 alkoxyalkyl, C1-C10 haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, haloalkoxy, C1-C10 [CN, OR1, SR1, NR1R2, N(O)2, NR1OR2, ONR1R2, SOR1, SO2R1, SO3R1, SONR1R2, SO2NR1R2, SO3NR1R2, P(R1)3, P(═O)(R1)3, Si(R1)3, B(R1)2]alkyl;
• R3 is selected from R1, R2, CN, COR1, CO2R1, OR1, SR1, NR1R2, N(═O)2, NR1OR2, ONR1R2, SOR1, SO2R1, SO3R1, SONR1R2, SO2NR1R2, SO3NR1R2, P(R1)3, P(═O)(R1)3, Si(R1)3, B(R1)2;
• A connected to B (or g), D (or D, R (or Q), P (or 9) or S (or D is a selection of C1-C8 disubstituted (fused) saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic rings further substituted by R3, (C═X)R3 and X(C═X)R3, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• J connected to I (or H), G (or F), K (or L), M (or N) or S (or T) is a selection of C1-C8 disubstituted (fused) saturated and unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic rings further substituted by R3, (C═X)R3 and X(C═X)R3, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• D (or g connected to B (or C) or G (or F);
• I (or H) connected to G (or F);
• P (or O) connected to R (or Q) or M (or N);
• K (or L) connected to N (or M) is a selection of C1-C8 disubstituted (fused) saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic rings substituted by R3, (C═X)R3 and X(C═X)R3, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• B and C, D and E, R and Q, P and O, I and H, G and F, K and L, M and N or S and T are ═X where X is selected from sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen, NR1R2, and ═CR1R2
• 26
• wherein:
• n is 0-10 atoms selected from carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, silicon, boron, arsenic and selenium, wherein the ring defined by said atoms is saturated or unsaturated, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A′-T′ are independently selected from hydrogen, R4, R5, R6, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, COR4, CO2R4, OR4, SR4, NR4R5, CONR4R5, N(═O)2, NR4OR5, ONR4R5, SOR4, SO2R4, SO3R4, SONR4R5, SO2NR4R5, SO3NR4R5, P(R4)3, P(═O)(R4)3, Si(R4)3, B(R4)2, (C=X)R6 or X(C=X)R6 where X is selected from sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen;
• R4 and R5 are each independently selected from C1-C20 alkyl (branched and/or straight chained), C1-C20 arylalkyl, C3-C8 cycloalkyl, C6-C14 aryl, C1-C14 heteroaryl, C1-C14 heterocycle, C2-C10 alkenyl (branched and/or straight chained), C2-C10 alkynyl (branched and/or straight chained), C1-C10 heteroarylalkyl, C1-C10 alkoxyalkyl, C1-C10 haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, haloalkoxy, C1-C10[CN, OR4, SR4, NR4R5, N(═O)2, NR4OR5, ONR4R5, SOR4, SO2R4, SO3R4,
• SONR4R5, SO2NR4R5, SO3NR4R5, P(R4)3, P(═O)(R4)3, Si(R4)3, B(R4)2]alkyl;
• R6 is selected from R4, R5, CN, COR4, CO2R4, OR4, SR4, NR4R5, N(═O)2, NR4OR5, ONR4R5, SOR4, SO2R4, SO3R4, SONR4R5, SO2NR4R5, SO3NR4R5, P(R4)3, P(═O)(R4)3, Si(R4)3, B(R4)2;
• E′ and R′ or H′ and O′ is a C2-C8 saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system further substituted by R6, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• O′ connected to M′ (or N′) or Q′ (or P′);
• R′ connected to Q′ (or P′) or S′ (or T′);
• S′ (or T′) connected to A′ (or B′);
• A′ (or B′) connected to C′ (or D′);
• E′ connected to C′ (or D′) or F′ (or G′);
• H′ connected to I′;
• I′ connected to J′;
• J′ connected to K′;
• K′ connected to L′;
• L′ connected to M′ (or N′) are C1-C8 disubstituted (fused) saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems further substituted by R6, (C═X)R6 and X(C═X)R6, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A′, B′ and C′, D′ and F′, G′ and M′, N′ and P′, Q′ and S′, T′ are ═X where X is selected from sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen, NR4R5, (C═X)R6, X(C═X)R6, and ═CR7R;
• R7 and R8 are each independently selected from R6, (C═X)R6 and X(C═X)R6
• 27
• wherein:
• n is 0-10 atoms selected from carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, silicon, boron, arsenic and selenium, wherein the ring defined by said atoms is saturated or unsaturated, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A1-T1 are independently selected from hydrogen, R9, R10, R11, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OR9, SR9, NR9R10, N(═O)2, NR9OR10, ONR9R10, SOR9, SO2R9, SO3R9, SONR9R10, SO2NR9R10, SO3NR9R10, P(R9)3, P(═O)(R9)3, Si(R9)3, B(R9)2, (C═X)R1 or X(C═X)R11 where X is selected from sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen;
• R9 and R10 are each independently selected from C1-C20 alkyl (branched and straight chained), C1-C20 arylalkyl, C3-C8 cycloalkyl, C6-C14 aryl, C1-C14 heteroaryl, C1-C14 heterocycle, C2-C10 alkenyl (branched and straight chained), C2-C10 alkynyl (branched and straight chained), C1-C10 heteroarylalkyl, C1-C10 alkoxyalkyl, C1-C10 haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, haloalkoxy, C1-C10 [CN, OR9, SR9, NR9R10, N(═O)2, NR9OR10, ONR9R10, SOR9, SO2R9, SO3R9, SONR9R10, SO2NR9R10, SO3NR9R10, P(R9)3, P(═O)(R9)3, Si(R9)3, B(R9)2]alkyl;
• R11 is selected from R9, R10, CN, COR9, CO2R9, OR9, SR9, NR9R10, N(═O)2, NR9OR10, ONR9R10, SOR9, SO2R9, SO3R9, SONR9R10, SO2NR9R10, SO3NR9R10, P(R9)3, P(═O)(R9)3, Si(R9)3, B(R9)2;
• B1 and R1, E1 and Ö1 and Ë1 and M1 are selected from a C2-C8 saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system further substituted by R11, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A1 (or Ä1) connected to Á1 (or Ã1) or T1 (or S1);
• B1 connected to Á1 (or Ã1) or C1 (or D1). E1 connected to Ë1 or C1 (or D1);
• Ë1 connected to É1 (or F1);
• G1 (or H1) connected to É1 (or F1) or I1 (or J1);
• K1 (or L1) connected to I1 (or J1) or M1;
• M1 connected to O1 (or N1);
• Ö1 connected O1 (or N1) or P1 (or Q1);
• R1 connected P1 (or Q1) or S1 (or T1) are C1-C8 disubstituted (fused) saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems further substituted by R11, (C═X)R1 and X(C═X)R11, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A1, Ä and Á, Ã and C1, D1 and F1, É and G1, H1 and I1, J1 and K1, L1 and N1, O1 and P1, Q1 and S1, T1 are ═X where X is selected from sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen, NR9R10, including (C═X)R11 and X(C═X)R11, and ═CR12R13;
• R12 and R13 are independently selected from R11, (C═X)R11, and X(C═X)R11
• 28
• wherein:
• n is 0-10 atoms selected from carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, silicon, boron, arsenic and selenium, wherein the ring defined by said atoms is saturated or unsaturated, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A2-X2 are independently selected from hydrogen, R14, R15, R16, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OR14, SR14, NR14R15, N(═O)2, NR14OR15, ONR14R15, SOR14, SO2R14, SO3R14, SONR14R15, SO2NR14R15, SO3NR14R15, P(R14)3, P(═O)(R4)3, Si(R14)3, B(R14), (C═Y)R16 or Y(C═Y)R16 where Y is selected from sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen;
• R14 and R15 are each independently selected from C1-C20 alkyl (branched and/or straight chained), C1-C20 arylalkyl, C3-C8 cycloalkyl, C6-C14 aryl, C1-C14 heteroaryl, C1-C14 heterocycle, C2-C10 alkenyl (branched and/or straight chained), C2-C10 alkynyl (branched and/or straight chained), C1-C10 heteroarylalkyl, C1-C10 alkoxyalkyl, C1-C10 haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, haloalkoxy, C1-C10[CN, OR14, SR14, NR14R10, N(═O)2, NR14OR15, ONR14R15, SOR14, SO2R14, SO3R14, SONR14R15, SO2NR14R15, SO3NR14R15, P(R14)3, P(═O)(R14)3, Si(R14)3, B(R14)2]alkyl;
• R16 is selected from R14, R15, CN, COR14, CO2R15, OR14, SR14, NR14R15, N(═O)2, NR14OR15, ONR14R15, SOR14, SO2R14, SO3R14, SONR14R15, SO2NR14R15, SO3NR14R15, P(R14)3, P(═O)(R14)3, Si(R14)3, B(R14)2;
• E2 and V2, H2 and S2, and I2 and P2 are C2-C8 saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system further substituted by R16, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A2 (or B2) connected to C2 (or D2) or W2 (or X2);
• E2 connected to C2 (or D2) or F2 (or G2);
• H2 connected to F2 (or G2) or I2;
• I2 connected to J2 (or K2);
• L2 or M2) connected to J2 (or K2) or N2 (or O2);
• R2 (or Q2) connected to P2 or S2;
• V2 connected to U2 (or T2) or W2 (or X2) are C1-C9 disubstituted (fused) saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems further substituted by R16, (C═Y)R16 and Y(C═Y)R16, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A2, B2;
• C2, D2;
• F2, G2;
• J2, K2;
• L2, M2;
• N2, O2;
• Q2, R2;
• U2, T2 and X2, W2 are ═Y where Y is selected from sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen, NR14R15 and ═CR17R18;
• R17 and R19 are independently selected from R16, (C═Y)R16 and Y(C═Y)R16
• 29
• wherein:
• n is 0-10 atoms selected from carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, silicon, boron, arsenic and selenium, wherein the ring defined by said atoms is saturated or unsaturated, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A3-Z3 are independently selected from hydrogen, Rig, R20, R21, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OR19 9, SR19, NR19R20, N(═O)2, NR19OR20, ONR19R20, SOR19, SO2R19, SO3R19, SONR19R20, SO2NR19R20, SO3NR19R20, P(R19)3, P(O)(R19)3, Si(R19)3, B(R19)2, (C=Ø)R21 or Ø(C=Ø)R21 where Ø is sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen;
• R19 and R20 are each independently selected from C1-C20 alkyl (branched and/or straight chained), C1-C20 arylalkyl, C3-C8 cycloalkyl, C6-C14 aryl, C1-C14 heteroaryl, C1-C14 heterocycle, C2-C10 alkenyl (branched and/or straight chained), C2-C10 alkynyl (branched and/or straight chained), C1-C10 heteroarylalkyl, C1-C10 alkoxyalkyl, C1-C10 haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, haloalkoxy, C1-C10 [CN, OR19, SR19, NR19R20, N(═O)2, NR19OR20, ONR19R20, SOR19, SO2R19, SO3R19, SONR19R20, SO2NR19R20, SO3NR19R20, P(R19)3, P(═O)(R19)3, Si(R19)3, B(R19)2]alkyl;
• R21 is selected from R19, R20, CN, COR19, CO2R19, OR19, SR19, NR19R20, N(═O)2, NR19OR20, ONR19R20, SOR19, SO2R19, SO3R19, SONR19R20, SO2NR19R20, SO3NR19R20, P(R19)3, P(═O)(R19)3, Si(R19)3, B(R19)2;
• D3 connected to X3 is a C2-C8 saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system further substituted by R21, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A3 (or Ä3 connected to B3 (or C3) or Z3 (or Y3);
• D3 connected to B3 (or C3) or E3 (or F3);
• G3 (or H3) connected to E3 (or F3) or I3 (or J3);
• L3 (or K3) connected to I3 (or J3) or M3 (or N3);
• O3 (or Ö3) connected to N3 (or M3) or P3 (or Q3). S3 (or R3) connected to Q3 (or P3) or U3 (or T3). W3 (or V3) connected to U3 (or T3 or X3;
• X3 connected to Y3 (or Z3) are C1-C8 disubstituted (fused) saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems further substituted by R21, (C=Ø)R21 and Ø(C=Ø)R21, including epoxides and thioepoxides;
• A3, Ä3;
• B3, C3;
• E3, F3;
• G3, H3;
• I3, J3;
• K3, L3;
• M3, N3;
• O3, Ö3;
• Q3, P3, S3, R3, U3, T3, W3, V3, and Z3, Y3 are =Ø where Ø is selected from sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen, NR19R20, and ═CR22R23;
• and
• R22 and R23 are selected from R21, (C=Ø)R21 and Ø(C=Ø)R21;
• and which chemical agent or derivative or chemical analogue thereof is capable of modulating PKC activity, PKC-dependent gene expression or PKC enzyme turnover and wherein said chemical agent or its derivatives or chemical analogues is administered for a time and under conditions sufficient to ameliorate one or more symptoms associated with said biological entity and wherein said chemical agent exhibits a potency of agent (PA) of >10, wherein the PA=ΣIV where IV is a numerical value associated with a particular feature as listed below:—
• 6 Feature Value An ability to modulate PKC avtivity or effect +1 An ability to induce bipolar dendritic activity +1 An ability to displace phorbol dibutyrate from binding to PKC +1 An ability to induce respiratory burst in leucocytes +1 An ability to stimulate phagocytosis in peripheral blood +1 mononuclear cells Derived from a member of the Euphorbiaceae family +1 Derived from E. peplus +3 Water extractible from the sap of Euphorbia sp. +2 An ability to activate latent virus +4 A lower tumor promotion activity than TPA/PMA +2
• or pharmaceutically acceptable salts of these, said chemical agent being administered for a time and under conditions sufficient to ameliorate at least one symptom caused by the inflammation and/or under conditions sufficient to potentiate the immune system or components therein.

A computer program product for assessing the likely usefulness of a candidate compound or group of compounds for the treatment or prophylaxis of inflammation or to immunopotentiate a subject, said product comprising:—

• (1) code that receives as input index values for at least two features associated with said compound(s), wherein said features are selected from:
• (a) the ability to modulate PKC activity or effect;
• (b) the ability to induce bipolar dendritic activity;
• (c) the ability to be derived from a Euphorbia species;
• (d) the ability to be derived from E. peplus;
• (e) the ability to be water extractable from the sap of a Euphorbia species;
• or
• (f) the ability to activate latent virus;
• (2) code that adds said index values to provide a sum corresponding to a potency value for said compound(s);
• and
• (3) a computer readable medium that stores the codes.

A computer for assessing the likely usefulness of a candidate compound or group of compounds for the treatment of inflammation or to immunopotentiate a subject, wherein said computer comprises:—

• (1) a machine-readable data storage medium comprising a data storage material encoded with machine-readable data, wherein said machine-readable data comprise index values for at least two features associated with said compound(s), wherein said features are selected from:
• (a) the ability to modulate PKC activity or effect;
• (b) the ability to induce bipolar dendritic activity;
• (c) the ability to be derived from a Euphorbia species;
• (d) the ability to be derived from E. peplus;
• (e) the ability to be water extractable from the sap of a Euphorbia species;
• or
• (h) the ability to activate latent virus;
• (2) a working memory for storing instructions for processing said machine-readable data;
• (3) a central-processing unit coupled to said working memory and to said machine-readable data storage medium, for processing said machine readable data to provide a sum of said index values corresponding to a potency value for said compound(s);
• and
• (4) an output hardware coupled to said central processing unit, for receiving said potency value.