Immunosuppressive Agents

Abstract

Purine AntimetabolitesPurine analogues with substitution of a sulfhydryl group on the sixth position of the purine ring are the most thoroughly investigated and clinically evaluated group of antimetabolites that may alter immune reactions. Azathioprine, characterized by an imidazolyl radical attached to the sulfur atom, is the most popular of these compounds for the treatment of inflammatory states and diseases with immunologic features. A common misconception concerns the specificity of the mechanism of action of these antimetabolites as immunosuppressive agents. A compound like mercaptopurine, which has been shown to inhibit multiple enzymes involved in purine biosynthesis, may affect a number . . .