Link to Pubmed [PMID] – 20819713
Med Sci (Paris) 2010 Aug-Sep;26(8-9):747-52
Immunosuppressive and antifungal drugs are frequently associated to treat solid organ transplant patients or patients with hematological malignancies. To cure invasive fungal infection (IFI), immunosuppression has to be reduced. However, immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporin A, tacrolimus, sirolimus (rapamycin) or mycophenolate mofetil possess antifungal properties. Indeed fungi and humans have in common calcineurin and TOR signalization pathways which are inhibited by these molecules. In vitro experiences suggest a positive interaction between immunosuppressive and antifungal drugs such as amphotericin B, azole and echinocandins. These results are confirmed by clinical findings and thus offer further therapeutic possibilities in the context of solid organ transplantation. double dagger.