IMMUNODEFICIENCIES
THE IMMUNE SYSTEM is the set of defenses of an organism which allows a protection against microbes and cancer cells.
EVOLUTIONOF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM OVER TIME
NATURAL IMMUNODEFICIENY
INFANTS
-
Immune system in development
-
40% of neonatal deaths are due
to infections -
Nursing protection up to 6 month (maternal antibodies)
ELDERLY
-
Slower immune system
-
More vulnerable to infections
PRIMARY IMMUNODEFICIENCY
-
Very rare
-
Genetic disease (hereditary)
More than 100 of these syndromes have
been described
SECONDARY IMMUNODEFICIENCY
Systemic disorder due to a chronic
disease such as:
-
Diabetes
-
Renal and hepatic insuciency
-
Viral infection (HIV)
​
Taking immunosuppressants (therapeutic
immunosuppression)
Alcoolism and maltrunition can aggravate, but cannot directly cause immunosupression.
IMMUNOSUPPRESSION
Immunosuppression is associated with a decrease or even inhibition of the activation of the immune system, which can be induced by therapy or medication.
cancer
The therapy is used to attack the cancer/tumor, but also affects the immune system.
Examples of therapies inducing immunosuppression :
-
Radiotherapy
-
Chemotherapy
transplantation
Immunosuppression is used to tolerate the new organ or new cells transplanted.
Examples of drugs inducing immunosuppression :
-
Calcineurin inhibitor (Tacrolimus or Cyclosporine)
-
Mycophenolic acid
-
Corticosteroids
-
Azathioprine
Auto-immune diseases
Examples of auto-immune diseases:
-
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
-
Rheumatoid arthritis
-
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
-
Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, colitis)
Examples of treatments:
-
Methotrexate
-
Cyclosporine
-
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
-
Corticosteroids
-
Biological therapy (Rituximab, Etanercept)