Agents That Affect Immunity Chapter 39 Agents That Affect Immunity

Immune System Functions Recognize and dispose of foreign material such as: Bacteria Viruses Fungi Protozoa Worms Drugs Food Transplanted organs Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.

Immune System Responds to foreign agents (antigens) Forms antibodies Recognizes and destroys antigens Reason for an allergic reaction Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.

Types of Immunity Active immunity Administration of an antigen, a weakened or killed vaccine Stimulates your immune system to form antibodies against the disease Lasts for many years (continues) Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.

Types of Immunity Passive immunity (continued) Types of Immunity Passive immunity Administration of preformed antibodies Provides instant protection Short duration Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.

Interferons and Interleukins Low molecular weight proteins Regulate the immune and inflammatory response They are used to: Treat cancer Stimulate T cell production Promote blood cell formation Treat several inflammatory diseases Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.

Immunosuppressant Agents Prevent organ rejection Kidney Liver Heart Lungs Mechanism of action is unclear They suppress T lymphocytes Combined with corticosteroids Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.

Avoid Infections Clients need to avoid infection. Go out, but wear a mask Immunosuppressant agents are expensive. Cost $50,000/year or more Require federal and state assistance Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.