Immunosuppressants

Question 1

What are the 3 main applications of immunosuppressive drugs?

Answer 1

1) To suppress any rejection of transplanted organs and tissue
2) To suppress “Graft-Versus-Host” disease (GVHD). This can happen when the donors lymphocytes react against the host. We see this mostly in bone marrow transplants
3) To treat auto-immune diseases

Question 2

Why do we use immunosuppressants in transplants?

Answer 2

The host might reject the transplanted organ/ tissue. The donor graft might contain immunocompetent cells that create an immune response against the host.

Question 3

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer 3

Its an auto-immune disease that affects/ swells the muscles and joints.

Question 4

What is Lupus?

Answer 4

Its an auto-immune disease that affects many organs. Characterized by a butterfly shaped rash on the cheeks

Question 5

What is ulcerative colitis?

Answer 5

An auto-immune disease that is caused from T-cells infiltrating the digestive tract and causing inflammation and ulcers.

Question 6

What is psoriasis?

Answer 6

Its an autoimmune disease that leads to scaly patches on the skin