Vitamin immunosuppressant properties

In addition to its classical role as regulator of calcium homeostasis, 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 (calcitriol) displays immunosuppressive properties. Inhibition of T-lymphocyte proliferation seems to be mediated via regulation of CD80/86 costimulatory molecule expression on APCs. For clinical use as immunosuppressant, however, analogues of vitamin D3 that do not influence calcium metabolism are needed. 

Natural Products and Related Substances - A basic peptide fraction of bee venom exhibits powerful antllnflanmatory effects In the carrageenln paw and adjuvant rat tests 13 vdiole bee venom is Ineffective in adjuvant arthritis in adrenalectomlzed rats 135 lymphocyte chalone concentrate from spleen exhibits immunosuppressive properties 13 vitamin A stimulates humoral and cell-mediated responsel37 and vitamin E exerts antiinflammatory effects in rats and on htiman skin.138 Improved methods of purification preparation and characterization of immunosuppressive material derived from bovine serum l39 antiinflammatory material from human plasma or gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomona aeruginosa),1 1 were described. 

Our data demonstrate that specific side-chain modifications can yield novel vitamin D derivatives with unique properties. ZK 191784 is a first representative of a novel class of immunosuppressive vitamin D analogs with a considerable therapeutic window. Vitamin D compounds with a dissociated profile may represent... 

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