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Understanding the Mechanisms of Action of Immunosuppressant Drugs

Muralinath E., Pooja Devi, Prasanta Chbukdhara, Sanjib Borah, Kalyan C., Archana Jain, Guruprasad M.

Abstract


Immunosuppressive drugs are involved particularly during transplantation and auto immune diseases. Corticosteroids namely dexamethasone and prednisone show their immunosuppressive effects by decreasing inflammatory responses. Corticosteroids decrease vthe number of circulating lymphocytes and inhibit activity of phagocytosis such as macrophages. Corticosteroids stabilize cell membrane and stop the release of inflammatory and stop the release of inflammatory mediators and decrease the permeability of blood vessels. Side effects of Corticosteroids include diabetes, hypertension, more susceptibility to infections and osteoporosis. Corticosteroids inhibit the enzyme calcineurin and decrease the activation pf T lymphocytes. By inhibiting the production of interleukin_2 (IL _2) a key signalling molecule for T cell proliferation, calcineurin inhibitors in an effective manner dampen the immune response. JAK inhibitors (barcitinab, tofacitinab) interefer with signalling pathways vinvolved in immune cell activation. Side effects of JAK inhibitors are an enhanced risk of infections, changes in blood cell counts and elevation of liver enzymes. It is finally concluded that corticosteroids play a major role in inhibiting rejection and managing auto immune conditions.


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References


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