Pharmacodynamics of T-cell function for monitoring immunosuppression

. Objectives: Recent studies show that measuring pharmacodynamic (PD) effects offers a unique possibility to predict immunosuppression. Thus, in this study we have monitored the PD properties of immunosuppressants on diverse T‐cell functions in heart transplant (HTx) recipients. Materials: PDs and blood concentrations (PK) of three different basis‐immunosuppressive drugs were studied: cyclosporin A (CsA); tacrolimus (TRL) and sirolimus (SRL). T‐cell function was analysed by expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) labelling, expression of cytokines (IL‐2, IFN‐γ) and surface antigen (for example, CD25) by FACS analysis. Results: In group I, at time points C0 and C2, increased CsA‐PK significantly inhibited expression of IL‐2, IFN‐γ, PCNA and CD25 (P