1. Agents That Affect Immunity
Chapter 39
Agents That Affect Immunity

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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
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7. Immunosuppressant Agents
Prevent organ rejection
Kidney
Liver
Heart
Lungs
Mechanism of action is unclear
They suppress T lymphocytes
Combined with corticosteroids
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8. 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.