This work has broad applications in clinical medicine, ranging from prevention and treatment of organ and bone marrow transplant rejection, management of various autoimmune disorders (for example, rheumatoid arthritis), skin disease and asthma. Whereas traditionally only a small repertoire of immunosuppressive agents was available for clinical use, recent discoveries have significantly increased the number of approved agents, resulting in numerous trials to further evaluate their potential. There is also considerable interest in the potential of cell-based therapies (particularly...

Cyclosporin has had a remarkable effect on clinical organ transplantation. Prior to its introduction, considerable advances had been made in the grafting of vital organs, particularly the kidney, heart and liver. In many developed countries, however, transplantation was not considered wo-rthwhile in terms of gain for the investment of resources. The improved results of kidney grafts following the use of cyclosporin has changed this attitude. For all types of organ transplantation, cyclosporin has resulted in an improvement of functional graft survival and has allowed a reduction in steroid...