Skip to main content

The Mechanism of Action of Ciclosporin: A Continuing Puzzle

  • Conference paper
Ciclosporin in Autoimmune Diseases

Abstract

Ciclosporin (CyA) exerts a number of pharmacological effects (Fig. 1). Its most interesting action by far, however, consists of selectively modulating defined subpopulations of immunocompetent cells. CyA can therefore be considered as the first drug of a new generation of immunosuppressants which has substantially contributed to immunopharmacology.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Bendtzen K, Dinarello CA (1984) Mechanism of Action of Cyclosporin A. Effect on T-Cell-Binding of Interleukin 1 and Antagonizing Effect of Insulin. Scand J Immunol 20: 43–51

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Borel JF, Feurer C, Gubler HU, Staehelin H (1976) Biological Effects of Cyclosporin A: A New Antilymphocytic Agent. Agents Actions 6/4: 468–475

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Borel JF (1976) Comparative study of in vitro and in vivo drug effects on cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Immunology 31: 631–641

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Borel JF (1981) Cyclosporin A — Present Experimental Status. Transplant Proc 13: 344–348

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Borel JF, Lafferty KJ (1983) Cyclosporine: Speculation about its mechanism of action. Transplant Proc 15: 1881–1885

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Borel JF, Lafferty KJ (1983) Basic Science Summation. Transplant Proc 15 [Suppl l]: 3097–3102

    Google Scholar 

  7. Brack C, Mattaj IW, Gautschi J, Cammisuli S (1984) Cyclosporin A is a Differential Inhibitor of Eukaryotic RNA Polymerases. Exp Cell Res 151: 314–321

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Bunjes D, Hardt C, Röllinghoff M, Wagner H (1981) Cyclosporin A mediates immunosuppression of primary cytotoxic T cell responses by impairing the release of interleukin 1 and interleukin 2. Eur J Immunol 11 /8: 657–661

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Bunjes D, Hardt C, Solbach W, Deusch K, Röllinghoff M, Wagner H (1982) Studies on the mechanism of action of Cyclosporin A in the murine and human T-cell response in vitro. In: White DJG (ed) Cyclosporin A. Elsevier Biomedical Press, Amsterdam, pp 261–280

    Google Scholar 

  10. Colombani PM, Robb A, Hess AD (1985) Cyclosporine binding to calmodulin: a possible site of action on T lymphocytes. Science 228: 337–339

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Deeg HJ, Storb R, Gerhard-Miller L, Shulman HM, Weiden PL, Thomas ED (1980) Cyclosporin A, a powerful immunosuppressant in vivo and in vitro in the dog, fails to induce tolerance. Transplantation 29: 230–235

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Dongworth DW, Klaus GGB (1982) Effects of Cyclosporin A on the Immune System of the Mouse. I. Evidence for a Direct Selective Effect of Cyclsoporin A on B Cells Responding to Anti-Immunoglobulin Antibodies. Eur J Immunol 12 /12: 1018–1022

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Dos Reis GA, Shevach EM (1982) Effect of Cyclosporin A on T Cell Function in Vitro: the Mechanism of Suppression of T Cell Proliferation Depends on the Naure of the T Cell Stimulus as well as the Differentiation State of the Responding T Cell. J Immunol 129 /6: 2360–2367

    Google Scholar 

  14. Drath DB, Kahan BD (1984) Phagocytic cell function in response to immunosuppressive therapy. Arch Surg 119: 156–160

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Elliottt JF, Lin Y, Mizel SB, Bleackley R, Harnish DG, Paetkau V (1984) Induction of Interleukin 2 Messenger RNA Inhibited by Cylosporin A. Science 226: 1439–1441

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Fidelus RK, Laughter AH, Twoney JJ, Taffet SM, Haddox MK (1984) The effect of cyclosporine on ornithine decarboxylase induction with mitogens, antigens, and lymphokines. Transplantation 37: 383–387

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Granelli-Piperno A, Inaba K, Steinman RM (1984) Stimulation of Lymphokine Release from T Lymphoblasts. J Exp Med 160: 1792–1802

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Handschumacher ER, Harding MW, Rice J, Drugge RJ (1984) Cyclophilin: A Specific Cytosolic Binding Protein for Cyclospoin A. Science 226: 544–547

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Helderman JH, Raskin P (1980) The T lymphocyte insulin receptor in diabetes and obesity. An intrinsic binding defect. Diabetes 29: 551

    Google Scholar 

  20. Hess AD, Tutschka PJ, Santos GW, Pu Z (1982) Effect of Cyclosporin A on Human Lymphocyte Responses in Vitro. J Immunol 128 /1: 355–367

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Hess AD (1985) Effect of Interleukin 2 on the Immunosuppressive Action of Cyclosporine. Transplantation 39: 62–68

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Hess AD, Colombani PM, Donnenberg AD, Fischer AC, Ryffel B (1985) Binding of dansylated Cyclosporine discriminates functional T lymphocyte subsets. Transplant Proc 17: 1419–1427

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Hiestand PC (1984) Cyclosporin A (Sand-immun®) modulates the Ca+ uptake of mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes. Agents Actions 15: 556–561

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Hiestand PC, Mekler P, Nordmann R, Grieder A: Prolactin: an autocrine modulator of lymphocyte responsiveness. A possible mechanism of action of Ciclosporin. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA (in press)

    Google Scholar 

  25. Hodgkin PD, Agostino M, Sellins K, Prowse SJ, Bellgrau D, Lafferty KJ: T lymphocyte function in vivo:Ambivalence of the class I MHC antigen reactive subset. Transplantation (in press)

    Google Scholar 

  26. Horowitz M, Baron R, Mart J, Andreoli M, Vignery A (1984) Osteoclast Activating Factor Production by Murine Spleen Cells is Sensitive to Cyclosporin A and is Distinct from IL-2 and Interferon. Calcif Tissue Int 36: 462

    Google Scholar 

  27. Janco RL, English D (1983) Cyclosporine and human neutrophil function. Transplantation 35: 501–503

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Karin M, Haslinger A, Holtgreve H, Richards RI, Krauter P, Westphal HM, Beato M (1984) Characterisation of DNA sequences through which cadmium and glucocorticoid hormones induce human metal- 42. lothionein-IIA gene. Nature 308: 513–519

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Kay JE, Benzie CR, Borghetti AF (1983) Effect of cyclosporin A on lymphocyte activation by the calcium ionophore A23187. Immunology 50: 441–446

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Klaus GCB, Hawrylowicz CM (1984) Activation and proliferation signals in mouse B cells. II. Evidence for activation (G0 to G1) signals differing in sensitivity to cyclosorine. Eur J Immunol 14: 250–254

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Koponen M, Loor F (1983) Cytoplasmic Lipid Droplets as the Possible Eventual Cellular Fate of Active Forms of Cyclosporin. Exp Cell Res 149 /2: 499–512

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Koponen M, Grieder A, Loor F (1984) Interference of Cyclosporin with Lymphocyte Activation: Blockage of the Mitogen-Induced Increases of Lysosomal and Mitochondrial Activities. Immunology 53/ 1: 55–62

    Google Scholar 

  33. Kronke M, Leonard WJ, Depper JM, Arya SK, Wong Staal F, Gallo RC (1984) Cyclosporin A Inhibits T-Cell Growth Factor Gene Expression at the Level of mRNA Transcription. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 81 /16: 5214–5218

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Lafferty KJ, Woolrough J (1977) The origin and mechanism of the allograft rejection. Immunol Rev 35: 231

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Lafferty KJ, Borel JF, Hodgkin P (1983) Cyclosporine-A (CsA): Models for the Mechanism of Action. Transplant Proc 15 [Suppl 11: 2242–2247

    Google Scholar 

  36. Leapman SB, Strong DM, Filo RS, Smith EF, Brandt GL (1982) Cyclosporin A Prevents the Appearance of Cell Surface “Activation” Antigens. Transplantation 34: 94–95

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. LeGrue SJ, Friedman AW, Kahan BD (1983) Binding of Cyclosporine by Human Lymphocytes and Phospholipid Vesicles. J Immunol 131 /2: 712–718

    Google Scholar 

  38. Lillehoj HS, Malek TR, Shevach EM (1984) Differential Effect of Cyclosporin A on the Expression of T and B Lymphocyte Activation Antigens. J Immunol 133 /1: 244–250

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Linzer DIH, Nathans D (1984) Nucleotide sequence of a growth-related mRNA encoding a member of the prolactin-growth hormone family. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 81: 4255–4259

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Merker MM, Handschumacher RE (1984) Uptake and Nature of the Intracellular Binding of Cyclosporin A in a Murine Thymoma Cell Line, BW5147. J Immunol 132: 3064–3070

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Metcalfe S (1984) Cyclosporine does not prevent cytoplasmic calcium changes associated with lymphocyte activation. Transplantation 38: 161–164

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Miyawaki T, Yachie A, Ohzeki S, Nagaoki T, Taniguchi N (1983) Cyclosporin A Does Not Prevent Expression of Tac Antigen, A Probable TCGF Receptor Molecule, on MitogenStimulated Human T Cells. J Immunol 130/ 6: 2737–2742

    Google Scholar 

  43. Palacios R, Moller G (1981) Cyclosporin A Blocks Receptors for HLA-DR Antigens of T Cells. Nature 290 /5809: 792–794

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Palacios R (1982) Mechanism of T cell activation: Role and functional relationship of HLA-DR antigens and interleukins. Immunol Rev 63: 73–110

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Palacios R (1985) Cyclosporin A inhibits antigen-and lectin-induced but not constitutive production of interleukin 3 Eur J Immunol 15: 204–206

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Pedersen C, Permin H, Stahl Skov P, Nom S, Svenson M, Mosbech M, Bendtzen K (1985) Inhibitory Effect of Cyclosporin A on Histamine Release from Human Leukocytes and Rat Mast Cells. Allergy 40: 103–107

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Reem GH, Cook LA (1983) Gamma Interferon Synthesis by Human Thymocytes and T Lymphocytes Inhibited by Cyclosporin A. Science 221 /4605: 63–65

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Russell DH, Larson DF, Cardon SB, Copeland JG (1984) Cyclosporine inhibits prolactin induction of omithine decarboxylase in rat tissues. Mol Cell Endocrinol 35: 159–166

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. Russell DH, Matrisian L, Kibler R, Larson DF, Poulos B, Magun BE (1984) Prolactin receptors on human lymphocytes and their modulation by cyclosporine. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 121: 899–906

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Ryffel B, Gotz U, Heuberger B (1982) Cyclosporin Receptors on Human Lymphocytes. J Immunol 129 /5: 1978–1982

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Ryffel B, Feurer C, Heuberger B, Borel JF (1982) Immunosuppressive Effect of Cyclosporin A in Two Lymphocyte Transfer Models in Rats: Comparison of in Vivo and in Vitro Treatment. Immunobiology 163: 470–483

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Ryffel B (1984) Cyclosporine: Effects on human T lymphocyte activation and clinical application. Clin Immunol Newsletter 5: 164–168

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. Schreier MH (1984) Interleukin-2 and its role in the immune response. Triangle 23: 141–152

    Google Scholar 

  54. Shennib A, Padilla-Longoria R, Chiu RCJ, Mulder DS (1982) Preservation of alveolar macrophage function during immunosuppression: Cyclosporin A versus Methylprednisolone. Surgical Forum 33: 338–341

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  55. Simons JW, Noga SJ, Colomban PM, Coffey DS, Hess AD: Cyclosporin A induces alterations in the nuclear morphology of human mononuclear leukocytes. J Cell Biochem (in press)

    Google Scholar 

  56. Suthanthiran M, Evelyn M, Rubin AL, Stenzel KH (1984) A reappraisal of the effects of monoclonal antibodies directed at T cell differentiation antigens. Transplantation 38: 720–726

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  57. Szamel M, Berger P, Resch K (1984) Cyclosporin A inhibits lymphocyte activation by interfering with the early activation of plasma membrane phospholipid metabolism. Immunobiology 167: 208

    Google Scholar 

  58. Thomson AW, Moon DK, Geczy CL, Nelson DS (1983) Cyclosporine and Lymphokines Affecting Macrophage Behavior. Transplant Proc 15 [Suppl 1]: 2390–2393

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  59. Uchiyama T, Broder S, Waldmann TA (1981) A monoclonal antibody (anti- Tac) reactive with activated and functionally mature human T cells. I. Production of anti-Tac monoclonal antibody and distribution of Tac(+) cells. J Immunol 126: 1393

    Google Scholar 

  60. Wiesinger D, Borel JF (1979) Studies on the mechanism of action of cyclosporin A. Immunobiology 156:454–463

    Google Scholar 

  61. Wiskocil R, Weiss A, Imboden J, Kamin-Lewis R, Stobo J (1985) Activation of a human T cell line: A two-stimulus requirement in the pretranslational events involved in the coordinate expression of interleukin 2 and γ-interferon genes. J Immunol 134:1599–1603

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1985 Sandoz Ltd, Basle

About this paper

Cite this paper

Borel, J.F., Ryffel, B. (1985). The Mechanism of Action of Ciclosporin: A Continuing Puzzle. In: Schindler, R. (eds) Ciclosporin in Autoimmune Diseases. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-70607-3_4

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-70607-3_4

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-70609-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-70607-3

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics