Cyclosporine (CAS 79217-60-0)

Cyclosporine is a cyclic peptide consisting of 11 amino acids, notable primarily for its immunomodulatory properties through non-clinical mechanisms. This compound functions by binding to the cytosolic protein cyclophilin (immunophilin) in certain immunocompetent cells, such as T-lymphocytes. This complex inhibits calcineurin, a critical phosphatase enzyme in the T-cell activation pathway. By doing so, cyclosporine effectively inhibits the transcription of interleukin-2 and several other cytokines, leading to a reduction in T-cell proliferation and activation. Beyond its well-documented uses, cyclosporine has been extensively used in research focused on understanding cellular immune responses and the regulation of cytokine production. This research has provided insights into the intricacies of immune system regulation, which has implications for a variety of non-medical applications, including the study of immune response in autoimmune disorders and organ transplantation scenarios. Additionally, cyclosporine′s ability to selectively inhibit specific aspects of the immune response makes it a valuable tool in experimental immunology, particularly in studies aimed at dissecting the pathways of immune activation and suppression to better understand the underlying mechanisms governing immune system functionality.