An immunosuppressant is a drug that suppresses the immune system. Immunosuppressants are used to treat conditions where the immune system is overactive, such as allergies, autoimmune diseases, and transplant rejection. They work by suppressing the activity of certain white blood cells that are involved in the immune response.
There are several different types of immunosuppressants available, and they can be classified according to their mechanism of action. The most common type is corticosteroids, which work by inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals by white blood cells. Other types include calcineurin inhibitors, which prevent T-cells from becoming activated; monoclonal antibodies, which bind to specific proteins involved in the immune response; and rapamycin analogues, which inhibit cell proliferation.
Immunosuppressants can have serious side effects, so they should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional. The most common side effects include increased susceptibility to infections, gastrointestinal problems, and kidney damage. Long-term use of immunosuppressants can also lead to cancer or other malignancies.