The deliberate reduction of immune system activity, typically using medications to prevent organ rejection after transplantation or to treat autoimmune diseases. It increases susceptibility to infections and certain cancers.
From Latin 'immunis' meaning 'exempt' and 'suppressio' meaning 'a pressing down' or 'restraint.' The term emerged in the mid-20th century as understanding of immune system function and transplant medicine developed.
Immunosuppression is like turning down your body's security system—you need it low enough so it won't attack your new transplanted organ, but not so low that every passing germ can invade! Transplant patients walk a tightrope between rejection and infection, requiring lifelong monitoring and medication adjustments.
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