Definition
Immune suppression involves reducing or inhibiting immune responses, mainly to prevent autoimmune diseases and organ transplant rejection.
Types of Immune Suppression
1) Natural Immune Suppression
Occurs naturally in:
Pregnancy (prevents fetal rejection).
Viral infections (e.g., HIV).
2) Therapeutic Immune Suppression
Induced using immunosuppressive agents to:
Prevent transplant rejection.
Treat autoimmune/inflammatory disorders.
Manage certain cancers.
Examples: Corticosteroids, Calcineurin inhibitors, Antimetabolites, Biologics, Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy.
Mechanisms of Immune Suppression
Immunosuppressive Drugs
Corticosteroids – Reduce T-cell activation (e.g., Prednisone).
Calcineurin Inhibitors – Block IL-2, T-cell activation (e.g., Cyclosporine).
Monoclonal Antibodies – Target immune cells (e.g., Rituximab).
Regulatory T Cells (Tregs)
Suppress immune responses via IL-10, TGF-β.
Bone Marrow Suppression
Used in chemotherapy, leukemia treatment.
Uses of Immune Suppression
Organ Transplantation – Prevent rejection of kidney, liver, heart transplants.
Autoimmune Diseases – Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Psoriasis.
Allergy Treatment – Suppress hypersensitivity reactions.
