Immunosuppressive drug

An immunosuppressive drug reduces immune-system activity. It is used to prevent transplanted organs from being rejected and to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Calcineurin inhibitor: A drug that blocks calcineurin signaling and reduces interleukin-2 production in activated T cells. Cyclosporine and tacrolimus suppress T-cell activation through this mechanism.
Organ transplantation: The transfer of an organ from a donor to a recipient to replace a failing organ. Long-term immunosuppression helps prevent the recipient's immune system from attacking a graft.
Opportunistic infection: An infection caused by an organism that takes advantage of weakened immune defenses. Reduced immunity can allow infections that healthy defenses usually contain.
Immunostimulant: A medicine or substance that increases or enhances immune-system activity. It acts in the opposite direction, strengthening rather than suppressing immune responses.
mTOR inhibitor: A drug that inhibits mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling, limiting cell growth and proliferation. Sirolimus suppresses the expansion of activated lymphocytes through this pathway.
Autoimmune disease: A disease in which immune responses target the body's own tissues. Immunosuppressive drugs can reduce the damaging self-directed response.
Cytomegalovirus: A herpesvirus that can persist lifelong and reactivate when immune control weakens. Reactivation is a notable infection risk after transplantation and immunosuppressive treatment.
Biologic therapy: Treatment using medicines made from or designed to target biological molecules, cells, or pathways. Many biologics suppress selected immune pathways rather than broadly dampening immune activity.
Antimetabolite: A drug that disrupts the synthesis or use of metabolites needed for cell growth and division. Mycophenolate and azathioprine limit the proliferation of immune cells.
Rheumatoid arthritis: A chronic autoimmune disease causing inflammation of joints and potentially other tissues. Disease-modifying immunosuppressants help control its inflammation and joint damage.

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