Immunsuppressiva, zytotoxic

The group of cytotoxic immunosuppressants includes the antiproliferatives azathioprine, cyclophosphamide methotrexate and in extended sin also mycophenolate mofetil): This group of immunosuppressants exerts its effect by reducing purine synthesis. In this way, it inhibits lymphocyte proliferation after antigen contact. The preparations are mainly administered as additional drugs to the basic immunosuppressants.

This group of immunosuppressants exerts its effect by reducing purine synthesis. In this way, it inhibits lymphocyte proliferation after antigen contact. The preparations are mainly administered as additional drugs to the basic immunosuppressants.

This group includes, among others:

• Azathioprine (Imurek®), which has been used in transplant medicine for about 40 years.
• Methotrexate (folic acid antagonist, very specifically inhibits the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase).
• Cyclophosphamide (Endoxan®)
• Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF, CellCept®). It is converted in the body to mycophenolic acid, which inhibits lymphocyte proliferation and antibody formation. Mycophenolic acid and mycophenolate mofetil specifically inhibit activated B and T lymphocytes.