Voclosporin
Voclosporin
Voclosporin (pronounced voe-kloe-spor-in) is a novel immunosuppressant drug that is structurally similar to cyclosporine A, but with modifications that enhance its potency and metabolic stability. It is used in the treatment of lupus nephritis, a kidney disorder associated with systemic lupus erythematosus.
Etymology
The name "Voclosporin" is derived from the Latin words voclo, meaning voice, and sporin, referring to its spore-like structure. The name signifies the drug's ability to "speak" to the immune system and control its response.
Pharmacology
Voclosporin works by inhibiting the enzyme calcineurin, which plays a crucial role in the activation of T-cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the body's immune response. By inhibiting calcineurin, Voclosporin prevents the activation of T-cells, thereby suppressing the immune response.
Related Terms
- Immunosuppressant: A type of drug that reduces the body's immune response, used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs and to treat autoimmune diseases.
- Cyclosporine A: A powerful immunosuppressant drug that is structurally similar to Voclosporin.
- Lupus nephritis: A serious complication of systemic lupus erythematosus, in which the kidneys become inflamed.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus: A chronic autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues and organs.
- Calcineurin: An enzyme that plays a crucial role in the activation of T-cells.
- T-cells: A type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the body's immune response.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Voclosporin
- Wikipedia's article - Voclosporin
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