Question 1

This compound acts as an immunosuppressive drug via a DNA alkylating mechanism:&#10;A) Mycophenolate mofetil&#10;B) Tacrolimus&#10;C) Dexamethasone&#10;D) Infliximab&#10;E) Cyclophosphamide

Accepted Answer

Cyclophosphamide is a DNA alkylating agent that works as an immunosuppressive drug. It is typically used in the treatment of autoimmune disorders and transplant rejection. The drug works by cross-linking DNA strands, which prevents cell division and leads to apoptosis of rapidly dividing cells, including immune cells. Mycophenolate mofetil and tacrolimus also act as immunosuppressive drugs but do not work via a DNA alkylating mechanism. Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that suppresses the immune system by blocking cytokine production while infliximab is a monoclonal antibody that targets TNF-alpha, a pro-inflammatory cytokine.

Question 2

Which of the following effectively treats relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, thereby decreasing the frequency of clinical exacerbations and delaying physical disability?&#10;A) INF-&#945;&#10;B) INF-&#946;&#10;C) INF-&#947;&#10;D) IL-2&#10;E) IL-11

Accepted Answer

INF-β is the best choice as it is the only option approved for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. It works by reducing inflammation and decreasing the frequency of relapses, thereby delaying disability progression. INF-α is used for other conditions such as hepatitis C, INF-γ is used for chronic granulomatous disease, IL-2 is used for metastatic melanoma, and IL-11 is used for thrombocytopenia.

Question 3

Over the first 24 hours of glucocorticoid therapy, which group of leukocytes increases in number?&#10;A) Neutrophils&#10;B) Eosinophils&#10;C) Macrophages&#10;D) Basophils&#10;E) Lymphocytes

Accepted Answer

Glucocorticoids increase neutrophil count via enhanced release from the bone marrow.

Question 4

Which of the following medications typically enhances immunologic activity?&#10;A) Glatiramer&#10;B) Methotrexate&#10;C) Cyclosporine&#10;D) Tacrolimus&#10;E) Sargramostim

Accepted Answer

Also known as "granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor" (GM-CSF), sargramostim enhances immunologic activity in patients suffering from deficiencies of these types of leukocyte.

Deck 6: Antibodies and Biological Products