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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
Trans-vivo Delayed Type Hypersensitivity Assay for Antigen Specific Regulation
Published on: May 2, 2013
Tacrolimus in dermatology
Q H Dé Tran1, E Guay, S Chartier
1Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Campus Notre-Dame, 1560 Sherbrooke East, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H2L 4M1.
Background:
Tacrolimus (FK 506), a metabolite of the fungus Streptomyces tsukubaensis, is an anti-T-cell drug. It acts by inhibiting the production of IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, TNFa, and GM-CSF. More potent and with slightly less secondary effects than cyclosporine, it has been the object of considerable interest, especially in conditions that could benefit from the latter.
Objective:
In psoriasis, a placebo-controlled double-blind study has shown oral tacrolimus at 0.1 mg/kg/day to be effective in controlling recalcitrant lesions. In human, small studies have reported tacrolimus ointment to be effective in controlling acute contact dermatitis. Short-term trials of topical tacrolimus in the treatment of atopic dermatitis have recently shown excellent results in both adults and children. In animal studies of hair growth disorders, topical tacrolimus induces anagen and protects from chemotherapy-induced alopecia. Animal studies with the ointment for the prevention of skin graft rejection, lupus dermatoses, and skin papilloma formation have also shown to be promising.
Conclusions:
There are case reports of pyoderma gangrenosum, Sezary's syndrome, and Behcet's disease successfully treated with oral tacrolimus but, because of their small number, they remain anecdotal at this point.
Insights
Tacrolimus, an immunosuppressant, shows promise in treating various skin conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis. Further research is needed for rare diseases like pyoderma gangrenosum.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Tacrolimus (FK 506) is an immunosuppressive drug derived from Streptomyces tsukubaensis.
- It inhibits key cytokines like IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, TNFa, and GM-CSF.
- Tacrolimus offers greater potency and fewer side effects than cyclosporine, making it a subject of significant interest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of tacrolimus in various dermatological conditions.
- To explore its potential in treating psoriasis, dermatitis, and hair growth disorders.
- To assess its role in preventing skin graft rejection and managing autoimmune skin diseases.
Main Methods:
- Clinical trials involving oral and topical tacrolimus administration.
- Placebo-controlled, double-blind studies for psoriasis treatment.
- Animal studies investigating effects on hair growth, skin graft rejection, and disease models.
Main Results:
- Oral tacrolimus (0.1 mg/kg/day) effectively controlled recalcitrant psoriasis lesions.
- Topical tacrolimus demonstrated positive results in acute contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis in humans.
- Animal studies indicated tacrolimus promotes anagen hair growth and offers protection against chemotherapy-induced alopecia.
Conclusions:
- Tacrolimus shows significant therapeutic potential in managing psoriasis and various forms of dermatitis.
- While promising in animal models for graft rejection and dermatoses, its application requires further investigation.
- Case reports suggest efficacy in rare conditions like pyoderma gangrenosum, Sezary's syndrome, and Behcet's disease, though these remain anecdotal.
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