Immunosuppressant: Difference between revisions
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An '''immunosuppressant''' is a member of a broad class of drugs characterized by effect rather than chemistry. They "suppress immune function by one of several mechanisms of action. Classical cytotoxic immunosuppressants act by inhibiting DNA synthesis. Others may act through activation of [[Lymphocyte#T-lymphocyte|T-cells]] or by inhibiting the activation of [[lymphocyte|helper cells]]. While immunosuppression has been brought about in the past primarily to prevent rejection of transplanted organs, new applications involving mediation of the effects of | An '''immunosuppressant''' is a member of a broad class of drugs characterized by effect rather than chemistry. They "suppress immune function by one of several mechanisms of action. Classical cytotoxic immunosuppressants act by inhibiting DNA synthesis. Others may act through activation of [[Lymphocyte#T-lymphocyte|T-cells]] or by inhibiting the activation of [[lymphocyte|helper cells]]. While immunosuppression has been brought about in the past primarily to prevent rejection of transplanted organs, new applications involving mediation of the effects of [[interleukin]]s and other [[cytokines]] are emerging."<ref>{{MeSH|Immunosuppressive Agents}}</ref> | ||
Other applications include the treatment of autoimmune diseases including [[asthma]] and [[rheumatoid arthritis]]. | Other applications include the treatment of autoimmune diseases including [[asthma]] and [[rheumatoid arthritis]]. | ||
==Cytotoxic immunosuppressants== | |||
{{r|Alkylating agent}} | |||
==Cytokine mediators== | |||
*soluble [[tumor necrosis factor-alpha]] receptor | |||
*[[tacrolimus]] | |||
==References== | |||
{{reflist}} | |||
Latest revision as of 16:39, 5 February 2009
An immunosuppressant is a member of a broad class of drugs characterized by effect rather than chemistry. They "suppress immune function by one of several mechanisms of action. Classical cytotoxic immunosuppressants act by inhibiting DNA synthesis. Others may act through activation of T-cells or by inhibiting the activation of helper cells. While immunosuppression has been brought about in the past primarily to prevent rejection of transplanted organs, new applications involving mediation of the effects of interleukins and other cytokines are emerging."[1]
Other applications include the treatment of autoimmune diseases including asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.
Cytotoxic immunosuppressants
- Alkylating agent [r]: A highly reactive chemical that introduces alkyl radicals into biologically active molecules and thereby prevent their proper functioning. Many are used as antineoplastic agents, but most are very toxic, with carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, and immunosuppressant actions. [e]
Cytokine mediators
- soluble tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptor
- tacrolimus
References
- ↑ Anonymous (2024), Immunosuppressive Agents (English). Medical Subject Headings. U.S. National Library of Medicine.