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Immunosuppression-back to the future.
1New England Journal of Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
World Journal of Surgery
|June 1, 2000
Summary
Researchers explored chemical agents to prevent bone marrow transplant rejection and inhibit immune responses. The antileukemic drug 6-mercaptopurine proved effective, leading to its use in human transplantation and autoimmune disease treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Transplantation Science
Background:
- Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) for aplastic anemia in the 1950s necessitated alternatives to total body irradiation for preventing allograft rejection.
- Lymphocyte proliferation was recognized as a key component of the immune response to various antigens, including skin allografts.
Observation:
- The study investigated chemical agents that inhibit leukemic lymphocyte proliferation for their potential to suppress immune responses.
- These agents were tested against immune responses to soluble antigens and skin allografts.
Findings:
- The antileukemic drug 6-mercaptopurine demonstrated efficacy in inhibiting immune responses in both tested systems.
- Azathioprine, a derivative of 6-mercaptopurine, was also identified.
Implications:
- 6-Mercaptopurine and azathioprine were subsequently applied to human allografting, improving transplant outcomes.
- These immunosuppressive drugs also became crucial in managing autoimmune diseases.