Dictionary > Immunosuppressant

Immunosuppressant

Definition
noun, plural: immunosuppressants
An agent capable of suppressing the body’s immune response.
adjective
Of or pertaining to the capability of immunosuppression.
Supplement
Immunosuppressants are given to patients after organ transplant surgery to prevent organ rejection. They may be applied exogenously or endogenously. Examples of immunosuppressants are corticosteroid hormones in large amounts, cytotoxic drugs, and irradiation.
Word origin: From immuno- + suppressant.
Synonym: immunosuppressive, immunosuppressor.

Compare: immunostimulant.

See also: immunosuppression, immunomodulator.

Last updated on March 1st, 2021

You will also like...

Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand
New Zealand’s Unique Geographical History

Explore why New Zealand has such unique flora and fauna, and learn why long periods of geographical isolation. This less..

Cambial cells
Plant Tissues

Plant organs are comprised of tissues working together for a common function. The different types of plant tissues are m..

Chemical composition of the body
Chemical Composition of the Body

The body is comprised of different elements with hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen as the major four. This tutorial..

Ploidy
Polyploidy

Humans are diploid creatures. This means that for every chromosome in the body, there is another one to match it. Howeve..

Genetics and Evolution
Genetics and Evolution

Humans are diploid creatures. This means that for every chromosome in the body, there is another one to match it. Howeve..

human brain structure
The Conscious & Unconscious Nervous System

This tutorial elaborates on how the nervous system works, particularly at the tissue level of the brain. There are three..