Nonsteroidal Antiasthma Agents - Key Terms (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms related to nonsteroidal antiasthma agents, their mechanisms, and related immunology as presented in the lecture notes.

Nonsteroidal antiasthma agents

Drugs used to prevent or control asthma without corticosteroids (includes cromolyn-like drugs, antileukotrienes, and monoclonal antibodies).

Cromolyn-like drugs

Mast cell stabilizers used prophylactically to prevent asthma symptoms; альтернативe to inhaled corticosteroids in step 2 care.

Mast cell stabilizers

Drugs that prevent mast cell degranulation and mediator release (e.g., cromolyn).

Antileukotrienes

Drugs that block leukotriene pathways to reduce bronchoconstriction and inflammation.

Leukotrienes

Inflammatory mediators that promote bronchoconstriction, edema, mucus production, and recruitment of inflammatory cells.

5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathway

Enzymatic pathway that synthesizes leukotrienes from arachidonic acid.

Cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLT)

Leukotrienes that contribute to bronchoconstriction, edema, and mucus in the airways.

IgE

Immunoglobulin E; antibody central to allergic responses that binds to mast cells and mediates release of mediators.

IgE-mediated mast cell release

Mast cell degranulation triggered when IgE bound to its receptor cross-links with an allergen.

Extrinsic asthma

Asthma driven by allergy/atopy and external allergen exposure.

Intrinsic asthma

Asthma with no evidence of sensitization to common inhaled allergens; nonallergic triggers.

Mast cells

Immune cells that release histamine and other mediators during allergic inflammation.

T lymphocytes

White blood cells that coordinate cellular immune responses; include helper and cytotoxic subsets.

Helper/T4 (CD4+) cells

T lymphocytes that regulate immune responses and help activate other immune cells.

Type 1 (Th1) cells

CD4+ T helper cells promoting cellular immunity and macrophage activation.

Type 2 (Th2) cells

CD4+ T helper cells that promote B cell help and IgE production in allergic inflammation.

Suppressor/T8 (CD8+) cells

Cytotoxic T cells that kill infected or abnormal cells.

Immunoglobulin G (IgG)

Major circulating antibody involved in systemic immune defense.

Immunoglobulin A (IgA)

Antibody found in mucosal surfaces, contributing to local immune defense.

Immunoglobulin M (IgM)

First antibody produced in an immune response.

Immunoglobulin D (IgD)

B-cell receptor antibody class present on naive B cells.

Monoclonal antibodies

Laboratory-produced antibodies used as targeted prophylaxis in severe asthma; not a rescue therapy and not a replacement for ICS.

Churg-Strauss syndrome

Rare systemic vasculitis that can be associated with antileukotriene therapy in asthma.

Prophylactic controller drugs

Drugs used to prevent asthma symptoms and control disease activity in persistent asthma.