immunosuppressive

American  

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

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

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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

These include organ transplant patients who rely on immunosuppressive drugs, as well as individuals being treated long term for infections such as HIV or TB.

From Science Daily • Jan. 13, 2026

Organ transplant recipients are among the groups that could benefit most, since missing doses of immunosuppressive medication can quickly lead to organ rejection.

From Science Daily • Jan. 13, 2026

The lab's discovery was published in the paper, "Glucose-driven histone lactylation promotes the immunosuppressive activity of monocyte-derived macrophages in glioblastoma," in the journal Immunity.

From Science Daily • May 3, 2024