Abstract
Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is one of the most frequently used immunosuppressive drugs in solid organ transplant recipients. MMF is an inhibitor of inosine-5'-monophosphate, and is able to preferentially inhibit B-cell and T-cell function. The immunosuppressive abilities of MMF have made it one of the most successful anti-rejection drugs in transplant patients, but patients also appear to have increased susceptibility to infections, specifically cytomegalovirus and BK virus. Despite its association with an increased risk of infection, MMF has also exhibited antimicrobial activity against pathogens including hepatitis C, Pneumocystis jirovecii, and human immunodeficiency virus. A thorough understanding of the functions of MMF on the immune system and interaction with infectious pathogens could be helpful in implementing preventative strategies against opportunistic infections in transplant patients.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Antifungal Agents / pharmacology*
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Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
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B-Lymphocytes / drug effects*
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B-Lymphocytes / immunology
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Clinical Trials as Topic
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Graft Rejection / prevention & control
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Humans
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Immunosuppressive Agents / administration & dosage
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Immunosuppressive Agents / pharmacology
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Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
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Mice
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Mycophenolic Acid / administration & dosage
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Mycophenolic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
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Mycophenolic Acid / pharmacology
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Mycophenolic Acid / therapeutic use
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Opportunistic Infections / microbiology
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Opportunistic Infections / prevention & control*
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Opportunistic Infections / virology
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Organ Transplantation / adverse effects*
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Pneumocystis / drug effects
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Rats
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T-Lymphocytes / drug effects*
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T-Lymphocytes / immunology
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Viruses / drug effects
Substances
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Antifungal Agents
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Antiviral Agents
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Immunosuppressive Agents
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Mycophenolic Acid