Immunosuppressants

Definition of Immunosuppressants

• These are drugs that suppress or weaken the immune system’s activity, commonly used to:
• Prevent organ transplant rejection
• Treat autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
• They work by targeting immune cells, cytokines, or signaling pathways to reduce immune responses.

Types of Immunosuppressants

1. Corticosteroids

   • Examples: Prednisone, Dexamethasone
   • Mechanism: Suppress inflammation and immune activity by mimicking natural hormones

2. Calcineurin Inhibitors

   • Examples: Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus
   • Mechanism: Inhibit calcineurin → prevent T-cell activation

3. Antiproliferative Agents

   • Examples: Azathioprine, Mycophenolate mofetil
   • Mechanism: Inhibit DNA synthesis → reduce T-cell and B-cell proliferation

4. Biological Agents

   • Examples: Anti-thymocyte globulin, Monoclonal antibodies (e.g., basiliximab)
   • Mechanism: Target specific immune cells or cytokines to suppress immune function

5. Other Immunosuppressants

   • Includes alkylating agents, antimetabolites, immunophilin ligands
   • Mechanism varies: May interfere with DNA, RNA, or protein synthesis

Uses

1. Organ transplantation – Prevent rejection
2. Autoimmune diseases – e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus
3. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis
4. Dermatologic conditions – Psoriasis, eczema
5. Blood disorders – Aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia
6. Cancer – As part of chemotherapy or immune modulation

Side Effects

1. Increased risk of infections
2. Increased risk of malignancy (e.g., lymphoma)
3. Gastrointestinal issues – nausea, diarrhea
4. Skin changes – acne, thinning, bruising
5. Kidney damage (especially with calcineurin inhibitors)
6. Blood disorders – anemia, leukopenia
7. Neurological side effects – tremors, headaches

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