immunosuppressive

American  

[im-yuh-noh-suh-pres-iv, ih-myoo-] / ˌɪm jə noʊ səˈprɛs ɪv, ɪˌmju- /

adjective

1. capable of causing immunosuppression.

   immunosuppressive drugs.

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noun

1. Pharmacology. Also immunosuppressor any substance that results in or effects immunosuppression.

immunosuppressive British  

/ ˌɪmjʊnəʊsəˈprɛsɪv /

noun

1. any drug used for immunosuppression

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adjective

1. of or relating to such a drug

Other Word Forms

• immunosuppressant
  noun

Etymology

Origin of immunosuppressive

First recorded in 1960–65; immuno- + suppressive ( def. )

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

immunosuppressive

The current approach would probably require patients to take immunosuppressive medications to prevent their immune systems from attacking the transplanted cells.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 7, 2026

He also stressed that the recovery period after the transplant would be extremely delicate, with transplant receivers needing to be on immunosuppressive medications for life.

From BBC ● Jun. 17, 2026

The study uncovers a hidden mechanism by which cancer cells spread immunosuppressive PD-L1 through extracellular vesicles, allowing tumors to weaken immune responses far beyond their immediate environment.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 28, 2026

Higher levels of IPA change this process, altering myelopoiesis and lowering the production of immunosuppressive monocytes.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 23, 2026

Figures are different for immunosuppressive drug-only Part B coverage.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 23, 2026