Immunosupresants

Immunosuppressants are substances that suppress the function of the immune system.

The main indications are Corticosteroids, antiproliferants (Cytostatics, but in lower concentrations than in tumors), immunophilin-binding substances (cyclosporine), and others are used.
 * Autoimmune diseases,
 * organ or bone marrow transplantation,
 * fetal erythroblastosis (in Rh neg. mothers).

Glucocorticoids
Prednisone and methylprednisolone – have lympholytic effects, inhibit prostaglandins and leukotrienes, suppress the production of IL-2 and others. They are used, for example, in asthma, lupus erytematodes, in case of rejection crisis after transplantation, etc.

Cytostatics
Interference with DNA – methotrexate, azathioprine (antimetabolites), cyclophosphamide (alkylating agents).

Calcineurin inhibitors
Cyclosporine – a polypeptide from the fungus Tolypocladium inflatum. It blocks the activation of RNA polymerase by calcineurin, ie it blocks the production of IL-2. The early phase of T-lymphocytes is inhibited. It does not suppress humoral immunity, so it has no side effects like other substances.

Tacrolimus – a mechanism similar to cyclosporine. It can be combined with other immunosuppressants besides cyclosporine.

Related articlesy

 * Immunomodulants