title: Thalidomide: mechanisms of action.
abstract: The classification of thalidomide as an orphan drug with anti-inflammatory actions has led to its off-label use in conditions refractory to other medications. Although the observed clinical effects of thalidomide suggest it to have immunomodulatory capabilities, the mechanism of action is unclear. Here we review both the positive and negative studies of thalidomide at the bench in order to improve our understanding of the possible mechanisms of this drug in treating a variety of diseases at the bedside. Studies on the effects of thalidomide on the innate and adaptive immune system as well as tumorigenesis and angiogenesis are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Taraneh
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Paravar
authors.forename: Delphine J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004893:Erythema Nodosum / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000187:drug effects*; D007110:Immunity, Active / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000276:immunology* / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D013792:Thalidomide