Fusidic acid non-antibacterial activity

Int J Antimicrob Agents. 1999 Aug:12 Suppl 2:S73-8. doi: 10.1016/s0924-8579(98)00076-4.

Abstract

In 1978 the first report was published indicating that fusidic acid had an immunomodulatory effect. This study describing an in vitro effect on white cells was followed by an in vivo study showing improved survival in heart transplanted mice. In 1990 these immunomodulatory effects were shown to be related to suppression of cytokine production in animal models of septic shock and insulin dependent diabetes. Disease modulation has been investigated in a number of immunologically mediated diseases, HIV infection, Behcet's disease, Crohn's disease, uveitis and scleroderma. However whether fusidic acid has any useful function as an immunomodulating agent has yet to be fully explored.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Animals
  • Anti-HIV Agents / pharmacology
  • Behcet Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Crohn Disease / drug therapy
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / drug therapy
  • Fusidic Acid / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / pharmacology*
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Mice
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / drug therapy
  • Shock, Septic / drug therapy
  • Transplantation Immunology
  • Uveitis / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • Cytokines
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Fusidic Acid