Immune system

The immune system is the system of specialised cells and organs that protect an organism from outside biological influences. In a broad sense, almost every organ has a protective function (e.g., the skin). When the immune system is functioning properly, it protects the body against bacteria and viral infections, destroying cancer cells and foreign substances. If the immune system weakens, its ability to defend the body also weakens, allowing pathogens, including viruses that cause common colds and flu, to grow and flourish in the body. The immune system also performs surveillance of tumor cells, and immune suppression has been reported to increase the risk of certain types of cancer.

Pharmacology

Despite high hopes, there are no medications that directly increases the activity of the immune system. Various forms of medication that activate the immune system may indeed cause autoimmune disorders.

Related Topics:
Medication - Autoimmune disorder

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Suppression of the immune system is often used to control autoimmune disorders or inflammation when this causes excessive tissue damage, and to prevent transplant rejection after an organ transplant. Commonly used immunosuppressants include glucocorticoids, azathioprine, methotrexate, ciclosporin, cyclophosphamide and mercaptopurine. In organ transplants, ciclosporin, tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and various others are used to prevent organ rejection through selective T cell inhibition.

Related Topics:
Inflammation - Transplant rejection - Organ transplant - Immunosuppressants - Glucocorticoid - Azathioprine - Methotrexate - Ciclosporin - Cyclophosphamide - Mercaptopurine - Tacrolimus - Mycophenolate mofetil

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