An agent that induces immunosuppression ( e.g., cyclosporine, corticosteroids). SYN: immunodepressant, immunodepressor, immunosuppressive (2).
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im·mu·no·sup·pres·sant -sə-'pres-ənt n a chemical agent (as a drug) that suppresses the immune response
immunosuppressant adj IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE <\immunosuppressant effects>
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n.
a drug, such as azathioprine or cyclophosphamide, that reduces the body's resistance to infection and other foreign bodies by suppressing the immune system. Immunosuppressants are used to maintain the survival of organ and tissue transplants and to treat various autoimmune disease, including rheumatoid arthritis. ciclosporin is the immuno-suppressant usually used in organ transplant recipients. Because immunity is lowered during treatment with immuno-suppressants, there is an increased susceptibility to infection and certain types of cancer.
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im·mu·no·sup·pres·sant (im″u-no-sə-presґənt) an agent capable of suppressing immune responses. See also immunodeficiency.Medical dictionary. 2011.