Medicine & USMLE

Basiliximab

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Immunosuppressants
  1. Cyclosporine
  2. Tacrolimus
  3. Sirolimus (Rapamycin)
  4. Basiliximab
  5. Mycophenolate

Summary

Basiliximab is an immunosuppressant drug used primarily for preventing transplant rejection. Basiliximab achieves its immunosuppressive effects by binding to and blocking IL-2 receptors. This prevents the growth of all lymphocytes, including T-cells, B-cells and Natural Killer (NK) cells.

Key Points

  • Basiliximab
    • Immunosuppressant drug
      • Used in transplant rejection prophylaxis
    • Mechanism
      • monoclonal antibody against Interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptors
        • Blocked IL-2 signalling impairs growth of all lymphocytes, leading to immunosuppression
    • Adverse Effects (low yield)
      • Edema
      • Hypertension
      • Tremor