Pharmasaathi

Your Trusted Guide to Immunological Agents

Immunostimulants

Definition: Agents that enhance the immune system's response.

Examples:

  • Interferons
  • Interleukins
  • Colony-stimulating factors

Applications: Treatment of certain cancers, chronic infections, and immunodeficiencies.

Side Effects

Flu-like symptoms, fatigue, bone pain, increased susceptibility to infections.

Immunosuppressants

Definition: Agents that decrease the immune system's response.

Examples:

  • Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone)
  • Calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., Tacrolimus)
  • Antiproliferative agents (e.g., Mycophenolate)

Applications: Prevention of organ rejection in transplant patients, treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Side Effects

Increased risk of infections, slower wound healing, hypertension, diabetes.

Vaccines

Definition: Biological preparations that stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against specific pathogens.

Examples:

  • Live attenuated vaccines (e.g., MMR vaccine)
  • Inactivated vaccines (e.g., Flu shot)
  • Subunit vaccines (e.g., Hepatitis B vaccine)

Applications: Prevention of infectious diseases.

Side Effects

Mild fever, local pain at injection site, allergic reactions (rare).

Monoclonal Antibodies

Definition: Lab-created antibodies designed to bind to specific targets in the body.

Examples:

  • Rituximab (targets CD20 on B cells)
  • Trastuzumab (targets HER2 in breast cancer)
  • Infliximab (targets TNF-α in autoimmune diseases)

Applications: Treatment of certain cancers, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory conditions.

Side Effects

Infusion reactions, increased risk of infections, potential for autoimmune effects.