Immunosuppressive Agents for the Prevention of Transplantation Rejection

This chapter will focus on “small” molecule therapeutics that demonstrate useful immunosuppressant activity including established classes such as calcineurin inhibitors (cyclosporin A and tacrolimus), mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) agents (sirolimus, everolimus), and antiproliferative/antimetabolite agents (azathioprine, mycophenolic acid derivatives). This chapter will also introduce some agents with newer pharmacology mechanisms such as sphingosine receptor modulation (FTY720), inhibition of JAK3 (CP-690,550), and inhibition of PKC (AEB071). Other agents useful in organ transplantation including glucocorticoids (such as prednisone and dexamethasone), nitrogen mustards (such as cyclophosphamide), and biologic agents (such as muromonab-CD3, basiliximab, and daclizumab) are discussed elsewhere.

Keywords: immunosuppressant; immunosuppression; transplantation