title: The emerging matrix of immunosuppressive agents.
abstract: In recent years, significant milestones have been reached in the field of transplantation through the development of immunosuppressive drugs that inhibit lymphocyte activation, cytokine signal transduction, and cellular proliferation. However, the widespread tissue distribution of the molecular targets exploited to date-calcineurin, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase-produces an array of collateral toxicities. Avoiding these side effects requires new strategies that selectively block destructive immune responses: a fifth generation of immunosuppressants. These agents must target molecules that are critical for and specific to the adaptive immune response.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: B D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Kahan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000276:immunology; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000276:immunology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy / Q000639:trends*; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D007519:Isoantigens / Q000276:immunology; D008212:Lymphocyte Depletion
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D007519:Isoantigens