IMMUNOSUPPRESSOR Meaning and
Definition
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An immunosuppressor refers to a substance or pharmaceutical agent that suppresses or dampens the immune system's response. This effect is often desired in medical treatments, especially in cases where the immune system's activity needs to be reduced or modified. Immunosuppressors are commonly used to prevent rejection after organ transplantation, control autoimmune disorders, and manage severe allergic reactions.
When an organ transplant or tissue graft takes place, the patient's immune system naturally recognizes the foreign tissue and initiates a response to destroy it. However, this immune response can be detrimental to the success of the transplant. Immunosuppressors, such as medications like corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., cyclosporine), or monoclonal antibodies (e.g., anti-thymocyte globulin), inhibit the immune system's response, allowing the body to tolerate the foreign tissue more effectively.
Furthermore, immunosuppressors are prescribed for people with autoimmune conditions, which are characterized by an overactive immune system that mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues. By suppressing the immune response, these medications help alleviate symptoms and prevent further damage caused by the immune system attacking the person's own body.
Although immunosuppressors are valuable in certain medical scenarios, they also carry potential risks. For instance, they can make individuals more susceptible to infections and increase the risk of certain types of cancer. Therefore, the administration of immunosuppressors should be done under the guidance and supervision of healthcare professionals.
Common Misspellings for IMMUNOSUPPRESSOR
- immunosuppressop
- immunosuppressos
- immuknowsuppressor
- immunosuppressoar
- immunosuppressewr
- immunosuppressowr
- i mmunosuppressor
- im munosuppressor
- imm unosuppressor
- immu nosuppressor
- immun osuppressor
- immuno suppressor
- immunos uppressor
- immunosuppr essor
- immunosuppre ssor
- immunosuppres sor
- immunosuppress or
- immunosuppresso r
Etymology of IMMUNOSUPPRESSOR
The term "immunosuppressor" is derived from two main parts: "immuno-" and "-suppressor".
1. "Immun-o": The prefix "immuno-" comes from the Greek word "immunos", which means "exemption from public service" or "freedom from taxation". It eventually took on the meaning of "protection" or "defense", specifically referring to the immune system.
2. "-Suppressor": The suffix "-suppressor" originates from the Latin verb "supprimere", meaning "to hold back" or "to repress". In the medical context, it refers to a substance or drug that suppresses or inhibits certain functions or responses of the body.
When combined, "immunosuppressor" describes a substance or drug that suppresses or inhibits the immune system's activity or response.
