Mycophenolate mofetil

Mycophenolate mofetil is an immunosuppressive prodrug converted to mycophenolic acid, which inhibits inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase and limits guanine nucleotide production, especially in lymphocytes.

Mycophenolic acid: Mycophenolic acid is the active metabolite of mycophenolate mofetil and an inhibitor of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase. This active metabolite carries out the enzyme inhibition after the prodrug is converted.
Kidney transplantation: Kidney transplantation replaces a failing kidney with a functioning donor kidney. Mycophenolate mofetil is commonly used to prevent rejection after kidney transplantation.
Azathioprine: Azathioprine is an immunosuppressant converted to thiopurine metabolites that interfere with purine synthesis and DNA replication. It is an alternative antimetabolite used in transplantation and autoimmune disease.
Prodrug: A prodrug is a compound converted within the body into a pharmacologically active drug. Mycophenolate mofetil must be converted to mycophenolic acid to inhibit its target.
Inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase: Inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase catalyzes the conversion of inosine monophosphate to xanthosine monophosphate in guanine nucleotide synthesis. Mycophenolic acid inhibits this enzyme, restricting guanine nucleotide production.
Organ transplant rejection: Organ transplant rejection is an immune response that damages transplanted tissue recognized as foreign. The drug suppresses lymphocyte activity that can drive rejection.
Calcineurin inhibitor: Calcineurin inhibitors suppress T-cell activation by reducing transcription of interleukin-2 and other cytokines. They suppress immunity through a signaling pathway rather than guanine nucleotide depletion.
Guanosine nucleotide: A guanosine nucleotide is a molecule containing guanine, ribose, and one or more phosphate groups. The drug reduces the cellular supply of these molecules needed for DNA and RNA synthesis.
Purine metabolism: Purine metabolism comprises the synthesis, salvage, and breakdown of adenine- and guanine-containing molecules. The drug disrupts one route within this broader network.
Lupus nephritis: Lupus nephritis is kidney inflammation caused by systemic lupus erythematosus. Mycophenolate mofetil is used to induce or maintain remission in many cases.

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