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Definition

noun, plural: immunosuppressants

An agent capable of suppressing the body's immune response.

adjective

Of or pertaining to the capability of immunosuppression.

Supplement

Immunosuppressants are given to patients after organ transplant surgery to prevent organ rejection. They may be applied exogenously or endogenously. Examples of immunosuppressants are corticosteroid hormones in large amounts, cytotoxic drugs, and irradiation.

Word origin: From immuno- + suppressant.

Synonym: immunosuppressive, immunosuppressor.
Compare: immunostimulant.
See also: immunosuppression, immunomodulator.