Immunomodulation Flashcards
What is immunomodulation?
The act of manipulating the immune system using immunomodulatory drugs to achieve
a desired immune response.
What are the various mechanisms that can be used to bring about immunomodulation?
- Immunization
- Replacement therapy
- Immune stimulants
- Immune suppressants
- Anti-inflammatory agents
- Allergen immunotherapy (desentization)
- Adoptive immunotherapy
What are biologic immunomodulators?
Medicinal products produced using molecular biology techniques including recombinant DNA technology.
What are the main classes of biologic immunomodulators?
- Substances that are (nearly) identical to the body’s own key signaling proteins
- Monoclonal antibodies
- Fusion proteins
What is the problem with biologic immunomodulators?
Humans can develop autoantibodies against them.
What is is immunopotentiation?
Immunisation
What is the definition of passive immunisation?
Transfer of specific, high-titre antibody from donor to recipient. Provides immediate but transient protection
What are the risks associated with passive immunisation?
- Risk of transmission of viruses
- Serum sickness
What types of passive immunisation are available?
- Pooled specific human immunoglobulin
- Animal sera (antitoxins an antivenins)
What are the clinical indications for passive immunisation?
Hep B prophylaxis and treatment
Botulism, VZV (pregnancy), diphtheria, snake bites
What is the definition of active immunisation?
To stimulate the development of a protective immune response and immunological memory.
What kind of immunogenic material is used in vaccines?
- Weakened forms of pathogens
- Killed inactivated pathogens
- Purified materials (proteins, DNA)
- Adjuvants
What problems are associated with vaccination?
- Allergy to any vaccine component
- Limited usefulness in immunocompromised
- Delay in achieving protection
What is pooled human immunoglobulin used for?
Rx of antibody deficiency states
What are the various actions of corticosteroids?
- Decreased neutrophil margination
- Reduced production of inflammatory cytokines
- Inhibition phospholipase A2 (reduced arachidonic acid metabolites production)
- Lymphopenia
- Decreased T cells proliferation
- Reduced immunoglobulins production