Immunosupressive Therapies

Question 1

Corticosteroid

Answer 1

Inhibit phospholipase A2, reduces PG

AIm, AIFMtory, prevention and Tx of rejection

Question 2

Cyclophosphamide

Answer 2

Alkylates guanine of DNA and prevents cell proliferation (B cells > T cells)

Conn. tissue disease, vasculitis, anti-cancer

Question 3

Azathioprine

Answer 3

Antimetabolite, inhibits T cell activation & prolfieration

Transplant, AIm, AIFmtory

Question 4

Methotrexate

Answer 4

Inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, decreases DNA synthesis

RA, Psoriasis, CD,

Question 5

Plasmapheresis

Answer 5

Remove pathogenic Ab

Severe AB mediated disease (Goodpastures, Myasthenia Gravis), Ab mediated rejection,
Waldenstrom’s Macroglobinaemia

Question 6

Cyclosporin (+ Tacrolimus)

Answer 6

Inhibits calcineurin (which activates transcription of IL-2), so reduces T cell proliferation

Rejection prophylaxis

Question 7

Chlorambucil

Answer 7

Alkylating agent

CLL, Waldenstrom’s Macroglobinaemia,

Question 8

Basiliximab

Answer 8

anti-CD25, inhibits T cell proliferation

Allograft rejection

Question 9

Rituximab

Answer 9

anti-CD20, depleted mature B cells

B cell lymphoma, RA, SLE

Question 10

Alemtuzumab

Answer 10

anti-CD52, depletion of lymphocytes

CLL, MS, T cell lymphoma

Question 11

Infliximab

Answer 11

anti-TNFa

RA, Ankylosing spondylitis, Psoriasis, IBD

Question 12

Hydroxyurea (Hydroxycarbamide)

Answer 12

Inhibits ribonucleotide reductase (in SCA in increases HbF)

SCD, Polycythaemia Vera, Myelofibrosis, Essential Thrombocytosis