calcineurin inhibitors

Calcineurin inhibitors are a class of medications that help regulate the immune system. They work by blocking a specific enzyme called calcineurin, which is crucial for activating T-cells, a type of white blood cell involved in immune responses. By inhibiting this enzyme, these drugs reduce the activity of the immune system. This is particularly useful in preventing organ rejection after transplants and treating autoimmune diseases, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells. Common examples include cyclosporine and tacrolimus.