Immune Suppressions

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.