The invention provides immune response activating compositions and methods of use. The general methods deliver an immune response activator to a patient determined to be in need thereof, comprising the steps of: (a) administering to the patient a predetermined amount of an immune response activating, optionally substituted DIM; and (b) detecting in the patient a resultant immune response activation, such as an increase in T-cell proliferation, NO production, cytokine production, cytokine receptor expression, or cytokine signaling.