title: A new immunosuppressant: tacrolimus.
abstract: Tacrolimus is the new name for the Japanese immunosuppressant drug FK506. It blocks interleukin 2 transcription thereby inhibiting the CD4 Th-1 lymphocyte response to foreign antigens. It also selectively inhibits cytokine secretion of IL3, IL4 and interferon-gamma. It is metabolised by the cytochrome P-450 enzyme system. The results of two trials indicate that it is similar to cyclosporin in efficacy and toxicity.
authors.affiliation: Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, University of London, UK.
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: James
mesh_terms: D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016559:Tacrolimus