Immunotherapeutic Agents Flashcards
What is the purpose of giving immunosuppressant drug before a transplant and what is their basic function?
drugs given prior to transplant to prevent rejection, drug functions to shut down t cell activation
What proteins achieve recognition of self vs non-self?
major histocompatibility complex (MHC) surface proteins
What is the main function of MHC?
to show immune system whether cell is healthy or has cancer/virus
define hypersensitivity
overreaction/inappropriate reaction of immune system to harmless stimuli
describe the basic pathway of hypersensitivity
dendritic cells see stimuli as threat -> sample taken to lymph node and shown to Th cell -> Th cell agrees it is threat and releases mediators -> tells B cells to make antibodies that recognise threat -> antibodies stick on mast cells = more sensitive + more mast cells = hypersensitivity
Describe autoimmune disease
breakdown of self tolerance, T/B cell driven
list the 2 key steps of induction of adaptive immune system
1) t cell activation by antigen presenting cell, release interleukin-2 + IL_2 receptor which stimulates
2) T and B cell proliferation
list some classes of immunosuppressants
calcineurin inhibitors, anti-proliferative drugs, antibodies directed at IL-2R, corticosteroids
How do glucocorticosteroids suppress the immune system?
decrease synthesis of IL-2, cytotoxic cells and Th cell proliferation
What factors can cause immunosuppression?
stress/fatigue, malnourishment, obesity, chemo, HIV/aids
What class of drug are colony stimulating factors (CSFs) and how do they work?
CSFs are immunostimulants that stimulate proliferation, differentiation, activation of neutrophils, macrophages/monocytes and other blood cells to increase power of immune system
What effect do GCSFs have?
GCSFs cause neutrophil production
Why is bone pain the major side effect of CSFs?
since neutrophils are made in the bone marrow and CSFs increase neutrophil differentiation, proliferation and activation, this activity happening in the bone marrow will cause bone pain
What is the difference between receiving a vaccine and antisera in terms of duration of protection from each?
vaccines induce an immune response in the body to produce antibodies against the specific pathogen resulting in possibly life long, protection, antisera contains ready-made antibodies that offer immediate but short-lived protection ranging from weeks to months
