[Newer immunosuppressive agents and their place in current practice].
The last decade has witnessed an expansion of the arsenal of new immunosuppressive agents to include several novel drugs and antibodies. The main indication of all these immunosuppressive agents is organ transplantation. In terms of its action, tacrolimus resembles cyclosporin A and is employed as the mainstay immunosuppressant or for what is referred to as rescue therapy in refractory rejection. Mycophenolate mofetil is an anti-metabolite replacing azathioprine in immunosuppressive protocols. Sirolimus is an agent for prophylactic use, either as part of a cyclosporin-based regimen to enhance the effect of cyclosporin or as an alternative of non-nephrotoxic immunosuppression to cyclosporin-based regimens; its indications are still being specified. Gusperimus could be used for anti-rejection therapy; however, it is not being used in this country as yet. Recently, two monoclonal antibodies against the IL-2 receptor, chimeric basiliximab and humanized daclizumab, have been employed. Both agents are of non-depletion type and are indicated for induction therapy in the early post-transplant period.
Klinika nefrologie TC Institutu klinické a experimentální medicíny, Praha.
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D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006146:Guanidines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000276:immunology; D020123:Sirolimus / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D006146:Guanidines; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid; C037258:gusperimus; D020123:Sirolimus; D016559:Tacrolimus