immunosupresji

Immunosuppresji, or immunosuppression, refers to the reduction or inhibition of the immune system’s activity. This process can be induced intentionally through medications or occur as a result of diseases or medical treatments. The primary goal of immunosuppressive therapies is to prevent the immune system from attacking the body’s own tissues, such as in autoimmune diseases, or to prevent organ rejection after transplantation.

Immunosuppressive drugs work by targeting various components of the immune response. Common classes include corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors (such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus), antiproliferative agents (like azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetil), and mTOR inhibitors (such as sirolimus). These drugs can suppress the activation, proliferation, and function of T and B lymphocytes, which are essential for immune responses.

While immunosuppression is vital for managing transplant rejection and autoimmune conditions, it also increases susceptibility to infections and certain cancers. Patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy require careful monitoring to balance effective disease control with the risk of adverse effects.

Immunosuppressive states can also occur due to illnesses such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) caused by HIV, certain cancers, or treatments like chemotherapy. In these cases, the immune system's ability to fight infections diminishes, leading to increased vulnerability.

Overall, immunosuppression is a critical medical intervention with wide-ranging applications and associated risks. Ongoing research aims to develop more targeted and balanced approaches to modulating immune activity, minimizing side effects while maximizing therapeutic benefits.