Immunosuppressant
Immunosuppressant: An Overview
Immunosuppressants are medications that reduce the strength and activity of the body’s immune system. They are essential in medical treatments where the immune response needs to be controlled, particularly in organ transplantation, autoimmune diseases, and certain chronic inflammatory conditions. By lowering immune activity, these medicines help prevent the immune system from attacking transplanted organs or harming the body’s own tissues.
How Immunosuppressants Work
Immunosuppressants act by limiting the actions of immune cells such as T cells and B cells. Some drugs slow down the production of immune cells, while others block the signals that activate them. The goal is to reduce harmful immune responses while still allowing the body to defend itself against infections to some degree.
Major Types of Immunosuppressants
CorticosteroidsThese are widely used to quickly reduce inflammation and immune activity. They are effective in many autoimmune diseases and during organ transplant procedures.
Calcineurin InhibitorsDrugs in this group block specific enzymes involved in T cell activation. They are commonly used to prevent organ rejection.
Antiproliferative AgentsThese medicines slow down the growth of immune cells and are often used in combination with other drugs after organ transplants.
mTOR InhibitorsThese drugs interfere with cell growth pathways and help prevent organ rejection while offering additional anti-cancer benefits in some cases.
Biologic ImmunosuppressantsThese are advanced therapies made from living cells. They target specific immune pathways and are often used in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other autoimmune conditions.