Immunosuppressive Therapy

Question 1

List types of immunosuppressive drugs

Answer 1

1. steroids
2. cytotoxic agents
3. T and B cell activation inhibitors
4. Ab-based T cell blockers

Question 2

What are corticosteroids?

Answer 2

Derived from natural steroids.
Hydrophobic so can diffuse across cell membranes and activate genes.
Powerful anti-inflammatories (negative regulatory agents of immune responses to decrease response)

Question 3

Give two examples of corticosteroids

Answer 3

Hydrocortisone
Prednisone
Dexamethasone

Question 4

What are side effects of corticosteroids?

Answer 4

Fluid retention
Weight gain
Diabetes
Bone & skin tissue thinning

Question 5

How do cytotoxic agents work?

Answer 5

Inhibit cellular proliferation. Most likely to affect cells that grow rapidly: cancer cells, hair follicles, bone marrow, and cells lining the stomach and intestines. Block clonal selection of B and T cells (AKA activation of adaptive responses)

Question 6

What are cytotoxic agents used for and what are side effects?

Answer 6

Commonly used for cancer tx (chemotherapeutic agents) because they inhibit cellular proliferation
Can experience toxicity to healthy organs

Question 7

How do T and B cell activation inhibitors work?

Answer 7

They block signaling molecules that are part of signal transduction pathways

Question 8

What are some examples of B and T cell activation inhibitors and what are side effects?

Answer 8

Cyclosporin A & Tacrolimus (FK506) block calcineurin.
Rapamycin inhibits T cell activation and blocks IL-2R signaling
Side effects: risk for opportunistic infections and organ toxicity

Question 9

How do humanized monoclonal antibodies work?

Answer 9

They are directed against CD3 and IL-2 receptors (AKA anti-CD3 and anti-IL-2R)

Question 10

What are some side effects of human monoclonal antibodies?

Answer 10

Increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections