Immunosuppressants

Question 1

mycophenolate

Answer 1

inhibits de novo purine synthesis (IMP dehydrogenase) –> required for proliferation of activated lymphocytes

Question 2

sirolimus

Answer 2

• immunosupporessive (post-tranplant) - IL-2R receptor inhibitor –> inhibits mTOR pathway, preventing G1-S phase and lymphocyte proliferation

Question 3

rituximab

Answer 3

• chimeric anti-CD20 antibody (specific to B-lymphocytes) –> depletes B cells (and abnormal Ab production) via several pathways (complement-mediated lysis, Ab-dependent cytotoxicity (via NK cell), induction of apoptosis)