Biochem/physiol Actions Immunosuppressive; inhibits T and B cell proliferation. Activity is attributed mainly to its metabolite, a malononitrile derivative, which is believed to inhibit dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (in the de novo pyrimidine synthesis pathway) as well as several protein tyrosine kinases. Application By virtue of its immunosuppressant effects, leflunomide has found use in organ transplantation1 and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis2 and other autoimmune diseases. |