How Do You Spell IMMUNOSUPPRESSANTS?

Pronunciation: [ɪmjˈuːnəsəpɹˌɛsənts] (IPA)

Immunosuppressants is a word that refers to drugs that reduce the activity of the immune system. The spelling of this word is based on the word "immune" and the suffix "suppressant". The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /ˌɪmjuːnoʊsəˈprɛsənts/. The stress is on the third syllable "suf" and the "a" sounds like "uh". The pronunciation of each syllable is clear with the "im" sounding like "ihm" and the "no" sounding like "noh". The ending "s" sound is silent in this word.

IMMUNOSUPPRESSANTS Meaning and Definition

1. Immunosuppressants are a class of medications that act by suppressing or reducing the activity of the immune system. The immune system is the body's natural defense mechanism against pathogens, foreign substances, and abnormal cells. However, in some cases, this defense system can become overactive or misdirected, leading to autoimmune diseases, organ rejection after transplantation, or severe allergic reactions. Immunosuppressants are commonly prescribed in these situations to dampen the immune response and prevent further damage.

   These drugs work by targeting different components of the immune system. They can inhibit the production or function of specific immune cells, such as T cells and B cells, or interfere with the release of certain chemical messengers involved in the immune response, like cytokines. By doing so, immunosuppressants reduce inflammation and prevent the immune system from attacking healthy tissues or foreign organs.

   Immunosuppressants are primarily used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis, as well as in transplant patients to prevent organ rejection. They may also be prescribed after solid organ transplantation to maintain long-term graft survival. However, it is important to note that immunosuppressants can increase the risk of infections and some types of cancer, due to the suppression of the immune system.

   Overall, immunosuppressants play a crucial role in controlling immune responses to various diseases and medical interventions, and their use requires careful management under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Common Misspellings for IMMUNOSUPPRESSANTS

• immunosupressants
• Immunosuprressants
• Immunosoppressants

Etymology of IMMUNOSUPPRESSANTS

The word "Immunosuppressants" is derived from combining two root words: "immune" and "suppressant".

- "Immune" originates from the Latin word "immunis", meaning "exempt" or "free from". This term was derived from the combination of "in" (meaning "not") and "munis" (meaning "duty" or "obligation").

- "Suppressant" originates from the Latin verb "supprimere", which means "to repress" or "to hold back". The word is formed by combining the prefix "sub-" (meaning "below" or "under") and "primere" (meaning "press" or "press down").

Therefore, "Immunosuppressants" refers to substances or medications that suppress, inhibit, or reduce the immune system's response or activity.