Question

The drug tacrolimus is used to prevent transplant rejection. Predict the mechanisms of action of tacrolimus.

Answer 1

Tacrolimus drug has the purpose to reduce the activity of the recipient’s immune system. Tacrolimus’ mechanism includes inhibition of the production of interleukins. This is because interleukins (more precisely interleukin 2) promote the development and proliferation of T cells (T lymphocytes), which activate immune response.

So, this drug inhibits both T cell signal transduction and IL-2 transcription.