Immunodepressant

Immunodepressant refers to drugs or other substances that can decrease the body's ability to mount an immune response. This type of activity is often used to treat autoimmune diseases, where the body’s immune system attacks itself, and to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ. Immunodepressants can also be used to treat allergies, asthma, and certain types of cancer. Immunodepressants work by suppressing or decreasing the activity of the immune system. This can be done in a variety of ways, including blocking the production of certain types of immune cells, blocking the action of certain hormones, and blocking the response to certain antigens. In some cases, immunodepressants can be used to prevent the body from attacking itself, as in the case of autoimmune diseases. The most commonly used immunodepressants are corticosteroids, which are hormones produced naturally by the body and can be taken as a supplement. Other immunodepressants include cyclosporine, azathioprine, methotrexate, mycophenolate, and tacrolimus. All of these drugs have their own risks and benefits, and should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.