Immunosuppressive Agents Overview
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes immunosuppressive agents?

  • They are only used in emergency situations.
  • They solely target cancer cells.
  • They block lymphocyte activation and proliferation. (correct)
  • They enhance the immune response.

    • What is a common use for immunosuppressive agents?

  • Reducing inflammation in diseases like SLE. (correct)
  • Increasing the risk of transplant rejection.
  • Promoting autoimmune disorders.
  • Treating allergies exclusively.

    • What potential risk is associated with chronic suppression of the immune system?

  • Increased risk of infection. (correct)
  • Decreased inflammation levels.
  • Improved response to vaccines.
  • Enhanced lymphocyte function.

    • Why might immunosuppressive agents be combined with other medications?

    <p>To achieve greater efficacy with decreased toxicity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which effect do immunosuppressive agents have on inflammatory cytokines?

    <p>They suppress the concentration and function of inflammatory cytokines.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition can result from the stimulation of mineralocorticoid receptors due to steroid use?

    <p>Hypertension</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential effect of increasing serum glucose levels in patients treated with steroids?

    <p>Hyperglycemia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What adverse effect is directly linked to the general effects of steroids?

    <p>Adrenal suppression</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary action of phospholipase A2 inhibition in the context of inflammation?

    <p>Suppress inflammatory cytokine production</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which cytokines are primarily suppressed by the action described in the mechanism?

    <p>IL-1, IL-2, TNF-a, IFN-v</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following conditions is NOT commonly associated with steroid usage?

    <p>Chronic fatigue syndrome</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What electrolyte imbalance may occur as a result of steroid effects?

    <p>Hypokalemia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a consequence of the down-regulation of destructive enzymes due to the actions of certain immunosuppressants?

    <p>Reduced inflammatory response</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What compound do calcineurin inhibitors like cyclosporine and tacrolimus bind with to exert their effects?

    <p>Cyclophilin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The impact of calcineurin inhibitors is primarily aimed at which aspect of the immune response?

    <p>Suppressing cytokine production</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the antidote for Cyclophosphamide?

    <p>MESNA</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following drugs is a prodrug that metabolizes into Teriflunomide?

    <p>Leflunomide</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main mechanism of action for Pyrimidine Synthesis Inhibitors?

    <p>Reversible inhibition of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a clinical use of Bevacizumab?

    <p>Chronic lymphocytic leukemia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which drug targets CD20 and is used for treating B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

    <p>Rituximab</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the clinical use of Leflunomide?

    <p>Rheumatoid arthritis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following monoclonal antibodies is used for head and neck cancer treatment?

    <p>Cetuximab</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which drug among the following does not require a loading dose?

    <p>Teriflunomide</p> Signup and view all the answers

    For which condition is Alemtuzumab primarily used?

    <p>Multiple sclerosis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately describes the clinical use of Teriflunomide?

    <p>Used for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary effect of broad spectrum antibodies in the context of inflammation?

    <p>Reduce manifestations of inflammation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What potential side effect may some patients experience when taking steroids?

    <p>Euphoria</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do steroids affect T-helper cells?

    <p>Suppress their functions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What condition is caused by the stimulation of mineralocorticoid receptors by steroids?

    <p>Hypertension</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential consequence of immunosuppression in patients?

    <p>Increased risk of various infections</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What impact do steroids have on regulatory T cells?

    <p>Increase their numbers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the mechanisms of action of steroids?

    <p>Suppress the immune response</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a possible effect of combining anti-idiotype antibodies with broad spectrum antibodies?

    <p>Normalize the immune network</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Immunosuppressive Agents Overview

    • Immunosuppressive agents are drugs that inhibit the immune response, crucial for treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
    • Commonly used as preventative measures for acute transplant rejection by suppressing cellular immunity.
    • Main drug classes include immunomodulating pharmaceuticals and cytotoxic agents, originally developed for cancer therapy.

    Mechanism of Action

    • Involves inhibition of Phospholipase A2, central to the arachidonic acid pathway, primarily affecting inflammation processes.
    • Suppresses production of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-2, TNF-α, and IFN-γ.
    • Down-regulates destructive enzymes, including collagenase, to mitigate tissue damage.

    Side Effects and Risks

    • Associated with numerous side effects including increased risk of infections due to chronic immune suppression.
    • Steroids may cause behavioral changes like insomnia and euphoria, alongside physiological effects like hypertension and hypokalemia.
    • Long-term use may lead to hyperglycemia and adrenal suppression.

    Specific Immunosuppressants

    • Corticosteroids: Betamethasone and Dexamethasone are examples that reduce inflammation and affect leukocyte function.
    • Calcineurin Inhibitors: Cyclosporine and Tacrolimus bind to cyclophilin, affecting mineralocorticoid receptors and potentially causing hypertension and edema.

    Monoclonal Antibodies in Cancer Therapy

    • Alemtuzumab targets CD52 for chronic lymphocytic leukemia and multiple sclerosis.
    • Bevacizumab targets VEGF for metastatic colorectal cancer and renal cell carcinoma.
    • Cetuximab aims at EGFR for head and neck cancers and specific colorectal cancers.
    • Rituximab targets CD20, used for B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma and certain autoimmune disorders.

    Pyrimidine Synthesis Inhibitors

    • Includes Leflunomide and Teriflunomide, both affecting lymphocyte activation.
    • Leflunomide, a prodrug, needs metabolic conversion to its active form, Teriflunomide.
    • Mechanism involves reversible inhibition of mitochondrial enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, reducing pyrimidine synthesis.

    Clinical Uses of Pyrimidine Synthesis Inhibitors

    • Leflunomide is approved for rheumatoid arthritis treatment.
    • Teriflunomide is indicated for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and does not require a loading dose for initiation.

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    Related Documents

    Basic Pharmacology Mod 4: Immune System PDF

    Description

    Explore the world of immunosuppressive agents, focusing on important drugs like Betamethasone and Dexamethasone. This quiz will delve into their uses in treating autoimmune disorders and their role in cancer therapy. Test your knowledge on the mechanisms and applications of these crucial pharmaceuticals.

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