Ascomycin acts by binding to immunophilins,
especially macrophilin-12. It appears that
Ascomycin inhibits the production of Th1
(interferon- and IL-2) and Th2 (IL-4 and
IL-10) cytokines. Additionally, ascomycin
preferentially inhibits the activation of
mast cells, an important cellular component
of the atopic response. Ascomycin produces a
more selective immunomodulatory effect in
that it inhibits the elicitation phase of
allergic contact dermatitis but does not
impair the primary immune response when
administered systemically.
Ascomycin is produced by the fermentation of
Streptomyces hygroscopicus.
Click here for the molecular structure of
Ascomycin
Related compounds
Tacrolimus, Pimecrolimus