Ascomycin
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Ascomycin, also called Immunomycin, FR-900520, FK520, is an ethyl analog of tacrolimus (FK506) with strong immunosuppressant properties. It has been researched for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and skin diseases, and to prevent rejection after an organ transplant.[1]
Ascomycin acts by binding to immunophilins, especially macrophilin-12. It appears that Ascomycin inhibits the production of Th1 (interferon- and IL-2) and Th2 (IL-4 and IL-10) cytokines. Additionally, ascomycin preferentially inhibits the activation of mast cells, an important cellular component of the atopic response. Ascomycin produces a more selective immunomodulatory effect in that it inhibits the elicitation phase of allergic contact dermatitis but does not impair the primary immune response when administered systemically.[2]
Ascomycin is produced by the fermentation of certain strains of Streptomyces hygroscopicus.[3]
In fiction
Ascomycin is also the name of a fictional "antiagathic" (anti-aging) drug in James Blish's future history Cities in Flight.[4] and in its component novel They Shall Have Stars.
Related compounds
References
Further reading
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External links
- Exciting New Eczema Treatment Expected This Year By Jane Schwanke, WebMD Medical News March 17, 2000 (San Francisco)