belatacept

Belatacept is a selective immunosuppressive agent used in combination with other medications to prevent rejection of kidney transplants in adults. It is a recombinant fusion protein composed of the extracellular domain of human cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) linked to the modified Fc portion of human IgG1. Belatacept works by binding to CD80 and CD86 on antigen-presenting cells, thereby blocking their interaction with CD28 on T-cells and inhibiting the costimulatory signal required for full T-cell activation. This mechanism suppresses immune responses that would otherwise lead to graft rejection. Developed by Bristol Myers Squibb, belatacept was approved by the FDA in 2011 for use specifically in kidney transplantation.

Brand names

Nulojix

Other names

belataceptum