The effects of immunosuppressive drugs on BK polyomavirus (BKV) replication have been compared in a new study. Sirolimus inhibited viral replication up to 24 h postinfection, but not thereafter, and similar results were found for other mTOR inhibitors and ciclosporin A. Conversely, tacrolimus — a calcineurin inhibitor — activated BKV replication. The effects of tacrolimus and sirolimus were mediated through FKBP12 in renal tubular epithelial cells. The researchers propose that these data provide a rationale for clinical trials aimed at reducing the risk of BKV replication in renal transplantation.
References
Hirsch, H. H. et al. BK polyomavirus replication in renal tubular epithelial cells is inhibited by sirolimus, but activated by tacrolimus through a pathway involving FKBP-12. Am. J. Transplant. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ajt.13541
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Edwards, J. Modulation of BK polyomavirus replication. Nat Rev Nephrol 12, 62 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrneph.2015.211
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrneph.2015.211