cyclosporine-A

Cyclosporine-A is a small molecule cyclic polypeptide and a potent immunosuppressive agent. It functions primarily as a calcineurin inhibitor; upon entering T-cells, it binds to the cytosolic protein cyclophilin A (PPIA) to form a complex that inhibits the phosphatase activity of calcineurin. This inhibition prevents the dephosphorylation and nuclear translocation of the nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT), thereby blocking the transcription of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and other cytokines essential for T-cell activation and proliferation. In a clinical research context led by Semmelweis University, a 0.5% ophthalmic solution of cyclosporine-A was investigated for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The study (NCT00433277) aimed to evaluate whether local immunosuppression could mitigate the progression of retinal degeneration, based on the hypothesis that autoimmune mechanisms contribute to the pathogenesis of RP.

Brand names

SandimmuneNeoralGengrafRestasisSangCyaIkervisVerkaziaAtopica

Other names

cyclosporineciclosporinCsA