[Non-immunologic effects of cyclosporins]

Cyclosporins are a group of molecules produced by fungi. The main cyclosporin, cyclosporin A, is widely known for its immunologic properties which have made it the leading drug for prophylactic therapy of transplant rejection. However, cyclosporin A (as well as several of its analogs with or without immunosuppressive properties) has a broader and more varied spectrum of biologic effects both in vivo and in vitro; renal, pancreatic, endothelial, muscle and nerve cells, hepatocytes, keratinocytes, and some microorganisms (plasmodium, schistosoma) are target cells whose metabolism or growth is affected by cyclosporins. Some of these activities are responsible for adverse effects but others may warrant the use of selected cyclosporins in clinical situations other than organ transplants.