Unit 12: Immunosuppressant Agents in Chemotherapy

Objectives & Reading

Review unit objectives listed in the outline.
Associated reading assignments:
- Chapter 48: Physiological overview of the immune system (begins on page 755).
- Unit 9 (Chapter 47): Biological response modifiers.

Role of the Immune System:
- Distinguishes self from non-self.
- Protects the body against foreign materials (antigens).
- Provides resistance to pathogens and foreign bodies.
Response Overview (Covered primarily in Unit 9):
- Humoral Response:
  - Mediated by B lymphocytes (B cells).
  - B cells originate in the bone marrow.
  - Responsible for antibody production and immunoglobulins.
- Cell-Mediated Response:
  - Mediated by T lymphocytes (T cells).
  - T cells mature in the thymus.
- Inflammatory Mediators: Cytokines, histamine, interleukins, serotonin, bradykinin, and prostaglandins.

Autoimmune Diseases:
- Body's immune system attacks its own tissues.
- Normal immune function is altered, directing action against normal tissue.
- Possible triggers: genetic factors, hormones, environmental factors, drugs.
- Examples:
  - Rheumatoid Arthritis
  - Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE):
    - Autoimmune inflammatory disease.
    - Affects joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs.
  - Multiple Sclerosis (MS):
    - Degeneration of the myelin sheath.
    - Causes nerve damage and disrupts communication between brain and body.
    - Symptoms include impaired vision, fatigue, and impaired coordination.
  - Psoriasis:
    - Skin condition that accelerates skin cell life cycle.
    - Results in scales and red patches that are itchy and painful.
    - Triggers: stress, smoking, vitamin D deficiency, certain medications, infections.
Immune-Mediated Diseases:
- Immune reactions against transplanted organ tissue or drug-altered cells.
- Alteration in immune system causes cell reactions against other cells.
- Example: Organ transplant patients facing immune system reactions to foreign cells.