Basiliximab, sold under the brand name Simulect, is a monoclonal antibody used to prevent rejection in kidney transplants.
Medical uses
Basiliximab is indicated for the prophylaxis of acute organ rejection in de-novo allogeneic renal transplantation. It has been reported that some cases of lichen planus have been successfully treated with basiliximab as an alternative therapy to cyclosporin. No short-term side effects have been reported.
Mechanism of action
Basiliximab competes with IL-2 to bind to the alpha chain subunit of the IL2 receptor on the surface of the activated T lymphocytes and thus prevents the receptor from signaling. This prevents T cells from replicating and also from activating B cells, which are responsible for the production of antibodies, which would bind to the transplanted organ and stimulate an immune response against the transplant.
Chemistry
It is a chimeric CD25 monoclonal antibody of the IgG1 isotype.