The pharmacology of immunosuppression

In this paper, we review the pharmacological techniques by which graft rejection can be prevented from the early development of azathioprine to the current controversies surrounding FK 506. The basic chemistry of each drug is outlined, its source, mode of action, current uses and the clinical management are briefly documented. In addition to the more usual immunosuppressive agents, the current state of art of using monoclonal antibodies as immunosuppressives is addressed.