Module 8: Immune Pharmacology

Introduction [forthcoming]

Replace this text with a short module introduction in narrative form; provide context and instructor's perspective to review (prior knowledge), preview (highlights of the module), and motivate (relevance to students' personal and career goals). Avoid referencing textbook chapters, page numbers, or dates. 

Image: Skeletal formula of tetracycline — a tetracycline antibiotic. Source: "Tetracycline skeletal" by Vaccinationist is in the public domain. 

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:

1. Define and distinguish between antimicrobials, antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics
2. Describe the major mechanisms of action of antimicrobial agents and how they selectively target pathogens
3. Identify key classes of antibiotics (e.g., beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, macrolides, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones) and describe their pharmacologic targets and spectrum of activity
4. Explain how antiviral drugs, including those for HIV, hepatitis, and influenza, inhibit viral replication
5. Discuss mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance and strategies to mitigate resistance development
6. Describe the pharmacologic actions of immunomodulatory compounds such as corticosteroids, interferons, and interleukin inhibitors
7. Explain the clinical use of immunosuppressive agents (e.g., cyclosporine, tacrolimus, methotrexate) in transplant medicine and autoimmune diseases
8. Analyze the therapeutic implications and adverse effects of combining antimicrobial and immunomodulatory therapies
9. Explain the terms chemotherapy, metastasis, remission, drug resistance, and myelosuppression
10. Describe the mechanism of action of the alkylating drugs and the adverse effects associated with these drugs
11. Explain how the different types of antimetabolite drugs inhibit the growth of cancer cells
12. Explain the action of antibiotics, plant extracts, and other naturally occurring compounds on cancer cells 
13. Explain the use of monoclonal antibodies and related drugs in the treatment of cancer

To achieve these objectives:

1. Read the Module 8 Introduction 
   
2. Read Chapter 10. Immune Pharmacology: Antimicrobials and Immunomodulatory Compounds and 11. Immune Pharmacology: Cancer in Introduction to Pharmacology - aligns with computer proficiency
3. Complete the Module 8 Discussion Forum - aligns with computer proficiency, internet navigation, digital communication, and collaboration
4. Complete the Module 8 Quiz - aligns with computer proficiency 

Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities