Authors:
Riella LV, Alegre, Maria-Luisa.
The prevailing dogma is that CNI-mediated inhibition of T cell activation is due to the reduced IL-2 production that occurs because of impaired NFAT nuclear translocation,
as IL-2 is an autocrine and paracrine growth factor essential for T cell proliferation. Recent work by Vaeth et al. suggests another mechanism by which CNIs inhibit T cells, through the regulation of cell metabolism.
Am J Transplant. 2018 Jan;18(1):3. doi: 10.1111/ajt.14606.
Figure
Illustration of the effect of calcineurin inhibitors on T cell activation and metabolism (adapted from Riella LV. Kidney Transplant eBook. 2015:37. Version 1.4. Epub May, 2015).