Immunosuppression
Suppression of the immune system and its ability to fight infection. Immunosuppression may result from certain diseases, such as AIDS or lymphoma, or from certain drugs, such as some of those used to treat cancer. Immunosuppression may also be deliberately induced with drugs, as in preparation for bone marrow or other organ transplantation, to prevent the rejection of a transplant. Also known as immunodepression.
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- Immunosuppressive
1. Pertaining to immunosuppression, the suppression of the immune system. 2. An agent capable of suppressing the immune response.
- Immunosuppressive agent
A medication that depresses or halts immune system activity. For example, immunosuppressive agents may be given to prevent the body from forming an immune response to an organ transplant or to treat a disease that is caused by an overactive immune system, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- Immunotherapy
Treatment to stimulate or restore the ability of the immune (defense) system to fight infection and disease. Biological therapy is thus any form of treatment that uses the body’s natural abilities that constitute the immune system to fight infection and disease or to protect the body from some of the side effects of treatment. Immunotherapy […]
- Immunotherapy, allergy
Stimulation of the immune system with gradually increasing doses of the substances to which a person is allergic. The aim of allergy immunotherapy is to modify or stop the allergy by reducing the strength of the IgE response. This form of treatment is very effective for allergies to pollen, mites, animal dander, and especially, stinging […]
- Immunotoxin
A hybrid molecule created by coupling an antibody or antigen with part or all of a toxin. The hybrid molecule combines the specificity of the antibody or antigen with the toxicity of the toxin. The possible targets of immunotoxins include cancer cells and cells containing HIV.