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Review
. 2009 Aug;11(4):290-7.
doi: 10.1111/j.1399-3062.2009.00407.x. Epub 2009 May 26.

Mycophenolate mofetil: effects on cellular immune subsets, infectious complications, and antimicrobial activity

M L Ritter  1 , L Pirofski
Affiliations
Review

Mycophenolate mofetil: effects on cellular immune subsets, infectious complications, and antimicrobial activity

M L Ritter et al. Transpl Infect Dis. 2009 Aug.

Abstract

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is one of the most frequently used immunosuppressive drugs in solid organ transplant recipients. MMF is an inhibitor of inosine-5'-monophosphate, and is able to preferentially inhibit B-cell and T-cell function. The immunosuppressive abilities of MMF have made it one of the most successful anti-rejection drugs in transplant patients, but patients also appear to have increased susceptibility to infections, specifically cytomegalovirus and BK virus. Despite its association with an increased risk of infection, MMF has also exhibited antimicrobial activity against pathogens including hepatitis C, Pneumocystis jirovecii, and human immunodeficiency virus. A thorough understanding of the functions of MMF on the immune system and interaction with infectious pathogens could be helpful in implementing preventative strategies against opportunistic infections in transplant patients.

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