Cyclosporin A is an immunosuppressant drug that binds cyclophilin D, inhibiting the phosphatase activity of calcineurin in T cells (IC50 = 5 nM). Cyclosporin A is a small cyclic peptide acting as a novel antilymphocytic agent. Cyclosporin A significantly decreases CD11a/CD18 in the lungs, as well as TNFalpha and IL-1 beta levels in the fluid leakage of the pleural cavity 4 h and 48 h after pleurisy induction.

[1] Jorgensen, K.A., Koefoed-Nielsen, P.B., and Karamperis, N. Calcineurin phosphatase activity and immunosuppression. A review on the role of calcineurin phosphatase activity and the immunosuppressive effect of cyclosporin A and tacrolimus. Scand. J. Immunol. 57(2), 93-98 (2003).

[2] Mrowietz, U. Macrolide immunosuppressants. Eur. J. Dermatol. 9(5), 346-351 (1999).

[3] Fruman, D.A., Klee, C.B., Bierer, B.E., et al. Calcineurin phosphatase activity in T lymphocytes is inhibited by FK 506 and cyclosporin A. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA 89(9), 3686-3690 (1992).

[4] Dalmarco EM, et al. Cyclosporin A inhibits CD11a/CD18 adhesion molecules due to inhibition of TNFalpha and IL-1 beta levels in the mouse model of pleurisy induced by carrageenan. Cell Adh Migr. 2008 Oct-Dec;2(4):231-5.