In contrast to morphine, buprenorphine enhances macrophage-induced humoral immunity and, as oxycodone, slightly suppresses the effector phase of cell-mediated immune response in mice

Current observations confirm that macrophages greatly contribute to immunomodulatory effects of opioids. Studies on immunomodulation by opioids have great importance related to the evaluation of its beneficial and adverse effects on patient condition. Our research showed that oxycodone exerts the weakest immunomodulatory properties, allowing us to assume this drug as safer than morphine during prolonged therapy.