Chemistry of immunosuppressants Flashcards
1
Q
What is azathioprine?
A
Purine analogue
2
Q
How does azathiprine work?
A
Incorporated into DNA inhibiting the proliferation of T and B lymphocytes
3
Q
How does ciclosporin exert its effect? (2)
A
Binds to cyclophillin forming a complex which inhibits calcineurin
Calcineurin dephosphorylates trnascription factors which increases the activity of genes which codes for T lymphocytes
4
Q
What is the main side effect of ciclosporin?
A
Nephrotoxicity
5
Q
How does rapamycin?
A
Inhibits mTOR
6
Q
What is mTOR?
A
Kinase responsible for cell growth
7
Q
How does FK506 work?
A
Inhibits T lymphocyte activation
FK506 binds to FKBP-12 forming a complex with calcium and calmodulin to inhibit calcineurin
8
Q
How do corticosteroids work?
A
Anti inflammatory, which can be toxic to T lymphocytes
