Which of the following are true concerning immunosuppression?

A. Current immunosuppressive agents function in a nonspecific manner to suppress rejection.

B. The use of immunosuppressive agents is associated with an increased rate of opportunistic infections.

D. In almost all cases, the graft is rejected if immunosuppression is discontinued. 

DISCUSSION: At the present time, clinical immunosuppression involves the use of agents that function in a nonspecific manner to prevent rejection. These agents suppress almost all aspects of the immune response. Because of their mechanism of action, they have associated toxicities and side effects, such as an increased rate of opportunistic infections. An increase in certain malignancies is also associated with use of these agents. In almost all cases, the graft is rejected if the immunosuppression is discontinued. Therefore, immunosuppression must be continued for the life of the graft.