Preparations intended for artificial suppression of human immunity are called immunosuppressors, another name is immunosuppressants. This group of drugs, as a rule, is used for surgical operations on organ transplantation.
Immunosuppressive drugs - classification
The medicines under consideration are divided into groups that differ according to their effect on immunity:
- completely suppressing immunity drugs. Such agents affect all subspecies of immune cells, preventing their activity;
- selective immunosuppressants for specific purposes for specific types of immune cells. They act selectively against, for example, autoimmunity or transplantation immune mechanisms;
- medicines with anti-inflammatory effect, which are used in cases of brain disorders;
- symptomatic medicines. This subtype is intended solely to alleviate the signs of autoimmune diseases.
Natural immunosuppressants
Natural immunosuppressors are more preferable in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancerous tumors, since they have a milder effect on the body. Moreover, natural remedies have practically no side effects, therapy does not affect the liver and does not interfere with digestion.
At the heart of immunosuppressants of natural origin are secondary metabolites (microbial origin), lower and higher microorganisms, eukaryotes. Usually the genus Streptomyces is used, because it is precisely its representatives that possess not only significant antibiotic anti-inflammatory properties, but also antifuginal effects.
Immunosuppressive drugs
Among the immunosuppressors that suppress any immune cells and prevent the formation of lymphocytes in the blood, the most commonly used are:
- Vero-Cyclosporin;
- Cycloral;
- Imuran;
- Azathioprine.
Typically, the listed immunosuppressants are used in the therapy of cancer tumors in the late stages and after organ transplant surgery, especially if intensive tissue rejection has begun.
Preparations with selective (selective) action:
- Timodepressin;
- Tacrolimus;
- Cyclosporin A.
These immunosuppressors almost do not suppress antitumor immunity, do not interfere with the formation of protective cells in viral or infectious diseases.
Anti-inflammatory effect and elimination of allergic symptoms , signs of autoimmune disorders are provided by such medications:
- Methylprednisolone;
- Fluuocinonide;
- Clobetasol;
- Prednisolone;
- Hydrocortisone.
It is worth noting that glucocorticosteroid preparations immunosuppressants have a number of serious side effects, which often only worsen the patient's condition. This is due to their steroid origin: these medications interfere with the formation of the necessary hormones of the liver and kidneys.