Drugs
Glucocorticoids
Prednisone
Prednisolone
Mechanism
Effects/ Uses
Side effects
GC binds to GC-responsive element, modify the
transcription of genes
Reduce peripheral lymphocytes;
Inhibit T-cell proliferation and immunity;
Downregulate cytokine production
Used in organ transplant/ HSCT (prevent GVHD)
Immunodeficiency
DM (hyperglycaemia)
Osteoporosis (disrupt Ca)
Muscle breakdown
Mood swing
Cushings syndrome
Calcineurin induces different transcription factors
(NFATs) that are important in the transcription of IL-2
genes. IL-2 activates T-helper lymphocytes and induces
the production of other cytokines.
CsA forms a complex with cytophilin
FK506 forms a complex with FKBP
complex inhibits calcineurin
Renal dysfunction
Bone marrow toxicity
Hypertrichosis
Gingival hyperplasia HT, HG, GI
Bind to FKBP and inhibit mTOR, block the progression of
activated T-cells from G1 to S phase of cell cycle
Inhibit mitogenic response to IL-2.
Inhibit B-cell proliferation and antibody production.
Hyperlipidemia
Myelosuppression
Thrombocytopenia
Nephrotoxicity
Prevent clonal expansion of both B and T-cells
Myelosuppression
GI toxicity
Calcineurin inhibitors
Cyclosporine (CsA)
Tacrolimus (FK506)
Proliferation-signal inhibitors
Sirolimus
Everolimus
Antimetabolites and cytotoxic drugs
Azathioprine (AZA)
Inhibit purine synthesis
Inhibit IMPD the enzyme necessary for de novo purine
Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)
synthesis (lymphocyte has no salvage pathway)
Leflunomide
Inhibit pyrimidine synthesis
Cyclophosphamide
Alkylating agent
Methotrexate
Antifolate agent
Chlorambucil
Alkylating agent
Antibodies (humanised murine Ab)
Polyclonal antibodies bind to T-cells
Antithymocyte globulin (ATG)
cause lysis and mask lymphocyte receptors
Muromonab-CD3
IL-2 antagonists
Basiliximab
Daclizumab
Anti-TNFa agents
Infliximab
Adalimumab
Etanercept
Abatacept
Immunomodulatory agents
Filgrastim (G-CSF)
Sargramostim (GM-CSF)
IFN-g
Aldesleukin
Avoid humoral and CMI response
Directed against CD3 antigen of T cells
Deplete circulating T cells within minutes
Prevent GVHD in HSCT and transplant rejection
Bind to IL-2 receptors on T cells and inactivate IL-2
mediated cell activation and proliferation
Suppress T-cells
Used for prophylaxis in organ transplant
Monoclonal antibodies catch soluble TNF-a, preventing
it from activating TNF receptors
Recombinant form of soluble TNFa receptors, competing
against cell surface TNFa receptors
Bind to CD80 and CD86 on APC, preventing binding to
CD28 on T-cells
(i.e. compete against T-cells for APC cell surface
ligands)
Infliximab: used in Crohns disease
Adalimumab: used in RA
Anaphylaxis
Serum sickness reactions
Fever, vomiting, headache
Pulmonary oedema
Anaphylaxis
Well-tolerated, no side effects
Used in RA
Risk of infections
Used in severe RA
Accelerate bone marrow recovery
Activate phagocytosis by increasing synthesis of TNF
Promote proliferation and differentiation of lymphocytes into cytotoxic cells, activate NK cells