Cyclosporins
Cyclosporins
Cyclosporins (pronounced as /ˌsʌɪkləʊˈspɔːrɪn/) are a group of immunosuppressant drugs widely used in organ transplantation to prevent rejection. They are also used in a variety of other illnesses that are mediated by an overactive immune response.
Etymology
The term "Cyclosporin" is derived from the Greek words "kyklos", meaning circle, and "spora", meaning seed. This is in reference to the cyclic nature of the molecule and its origin from a fungus.
Types of Cyclosporins
There are several types of Cyclosporins, including:
- Cyclosporin A - The most commonly used form in medicine.
- Cyclosporin B - Less commonly used, but still important in certain medical contexts.
- Cyclosporin C - Rarely used in medicine, but still studied for its potential applications.
Mechanism of Action
Cyclosporins work by inhibiting the activity of T cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the body's immune response. They do this by binding to the protein cyclophilin inside the T cells, preventing them from producing interleukin-2, a substance that stimulates the immune response.
Related Terms
- Immunosuppression - The reduction of the activation or efficacy of the immune system.
- Organ transplantation - The moving of an organ from one body to another or from a donor site to another location on the person's own body, to replace the recipient's damaged or absent organ.
- T cells - A type of lymphocyte (a subtype of white blood cell) that plays a central role in cell-mediated immunity.
- Cyclophilin - A family of proteins that bind to cyclosporin A to mediate its immunosuppressive effects.
- Interleukin-2 - A type of cytokine signaling molecule in the immune system.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cyclosporins
- Wikipedia's article - Cyclosporins
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