Download Drugs for Immune System Modulation

Drugs for Immune System Modulation
Expanded Key Concepts
30.1 Protection from pathogens is provided through nonspecific and specific body defenses.
Elaborate and complex body defenses are responsible for recognizing and reacting to antigens.
The two basic divisions are the non-specific defenses and the specific defenses, also known as
the immune response.
30.2 Humoral immunity involves the production of antibodies by plasma cells which neutralize the
foreign agent or destroy it.
When B-cells encounter their specific antigen, they become plasma cells and secrete large
quantities of antibodies. The antibodies are specific to the antigen and neutralize the foreign
agent or destroy it. Some B-cells remember the antigen for many years.
30.3 Vaccines are biological agents used to prevent illness by boosting antibody production.
Vaccines are classified as live, attenuated or toxoid.
Vaccines are biological products usually given to prevent debilitating illnesses. Vaccines are very
effective when taken according to schedule and rarely produce serious adverse effects.
30.4 Cell-mediated immunity involves the activation of specific T cells and the secretion of
cytokines such as interferons, and interleukins that rid the body of the foreign agent.
T-cells also recognize specific antigens, but instead of producing antibodies, they produce
cytokines that rid the body of the foreign agent. Memory T-cells will remember the antigen for
many years and mount a faster immune response upon subsequent exposures.
30.5 Immunostimulants are biologic response modifiers that boost the patient's immune system
and are used to treat infections, immunodeficiencies, and cancer.
A small number of agents are available to boost patients' immune systems for very specific
indications. These agents, sometimes called biologic response modifiers, include interferons and
interleukins.
30.6 Immunosuppressants are used to inhibit the patient's immune system and avoid tissue
rejection following organ transplantation.
Immunosuppressants are very effective at dampening the patient's immune system following
organ transplant, but they must be monitored very carefully as the loss of immune function can
lead to infections and cancer. Immunosuppressants include glucocorticoids, antimetabolites,
antibodies, and calcineurin inhibitors