Inflammation and Immunity: Anti-inflammatory, Immunosuppressant, and Cancer Pharmacology

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to inflammation, immunity, and pharmacological treatments in the context of immunology and oncology.

Inflammation

The body's immediate response to injury or infection, characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and pain.

Immunity

The ability of the body to resist or eliminate potentially harmful foreign materials or abnormal cells.

Innate Immune System

The non-specific part of the immune system that provides immediate defense against infection.

Adaptive Immune System

The specific part of the immune system that develops memory and produces a targeted response to specific pathogens.

Antibody

A protein produced by B cells that binds to antigens to neutralize or destroy them.

Cytokines

Signaling molecules that mediate and regulate immunity and inflammation.

Autoimmune disease

A condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells.

Immunosuppressant

A drug that reduces or inhibits the strength of the body's immune system.

DMARDs (Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs)

Medications that slow down the progression of rheumatic diseases by targeting specific components of the immune response.

Methotrexate

A DMARD that interferes with folic acid metabolism, used in autoimmune diseases and certain cancers.

Cytotoxic T Cells

A type of T cell that destroys cancer cells and cells infected with viruses.

Biologic DMARDs

Targeted therapy medications that are designed to block specific components of the immune system.

Natural Killer Cells

Immune cells that recognize and eliminate virally infected cells and tumor cells.

Eosinophils

White blood cells involved in allergic reactions and responses to parasitic infections.

Phagocytes

Cells such as macrophages and neutrophils that engulf and digest foreign invaders.

Chemotherapy

A type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells.