Immunologic agents cell-mediated immunity

There is indirect evidence of sex differences in immunology. Women have a higher incidence of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. The influence of sex hormones on the immune system may provide insight into these immunological disorders. For example, estrogen stimulates both humoral and cell-mediated immunity, whereas testosterone has the opposite effect (126). Therefore, it is not surprising that there is sex-dependent variability in response to immunosuppressive agents. 

Mechanism of Action An immunologic agent that antagonizes purine metabolism and inhibits DNA, protein, and RNA synthesis. Therapeutic Effect Suppresses cell-mediated hypersensitivities alters antibody production and immune response in transplant recipients reduces the severity of arthritis symptoms. 

Immunosuppressive effects Glucocorticoids inhibit some of the mechanisms involved in cell-mediated immunologic functions, especially those dependent on lymphocytes. These agents are actively lymphotoxic and are important in the treatment of hematologic cancers. The drugs do not interfere with the development of normal acquired immunity but delay rejection reactions in patients with organ transplants. 

IL-12-stimulated IFN-y production and NK cell activation further potentates the overall immune response, not only to infectious agents but also against transformed cells. Cytotoxic T cells and NK cells represent two of the most important immune effector functions against cancer. IL-12-mediated immunological activity also renders this cytokine a potentially... 

---