The invention relates to 2-thio-substituted imidazole derivatives of the formula I ##STR00001## in which the radicals R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4 and p are as defined in the description. The compounds according to the invention have immunomodulating and/or cytokine-release-inhibiting action and are therefore suitable for treating disorders associated with a disturbed immune system.