IMMUNOSUPPRESSION Meaning and
Definition
-
Immunosuppression refers to a state or a treatment process that weakens or suppresses the immune system's ability to function properly. The immune system plays a crucial role in defending the body against harmful pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. However, in certain cases, it becomes necessary to intentionally suppress the immune response to achieve specific medical goals.
One common reason to induce immunosuppression is during organ transplantation. When a person receives a transplanted organ, their immune system may recognize it as foreign and mount an attack, potentially leading to the rejection of the transplanted organ. To prevent this, immunosuppressive medications are prescribed to weaken the immune system, reducing its ability to generate an immune response against the transplanted organ.
Immunosuppressive treatment is also used in the management of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. These conditions arise from an overactive immune response, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues of the body. By suppressing the immune system, the severity and frequency of these attacks can be significantly reduced.
In addition to medications, immunosuppression can also be caused by certain medical conditions, infections, or diseases that naturally weaken the immune system. These individuals have an increased susceptibility to infections, as their immune system's ability to detect and combat pathogens is compromised.
Overall, immunosuppression refers to intentionally or unintentionally reducing the effectiveness of the immune system, whether through medications, diseases, or other factors. It is a delicate balance, as maintaining an optimal immune response is vital for protecting the body from harmful invaders while avoiding the risk of excessive immune reactions that can lead to autoimmune disorders or transplant rejection.
Common Misspellings for IMMUNOSUPPRESSION
- ummunosuppression
- jmmunosuppression
- kmmunosuppression
- ommunosuppression
- 9mmunosuppression
- 8mmunosuppression
- inmunosuppression
- ikmunosuppression
- ijmunosuppression
- imnunosuppression
- imkunosuppression
- imjunosuppression
- immynosuppression
- immhnosuppression
- immjnosuppression
- imminosuppression
- imm8nosuppression
- imm7nosuppression
- immubosuppression
- imunosuppression
- Immunnosupression
Etymology of IMMUNOSUPPRESSION
The word "immunosuppression" is derived from two parts: "immuno-" and "-suppression".
1. "Immuno-" is derived from the Latin word "im-", meaning "not", and the Latin word "munus", meaning "service, duty, obligation". In this context, it refers to the immune system, which is the body's defense mechanism against diseases and infections.
2. "-Suppression" is derived from the Latin word "supprimere", meaning "to suppress, hold back, or check".
When combined, "immunosuppression" refers to the suppression or weakening of the immune system's functioning, typically through the use of medications or other means.
Similar spelling words for IMMUNOSUPPRESSION
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
