The immunosuppressive agent FK-506 has received much attention due to its efficacy and potency in the areas of transplant rejection and autoimmune disease. Calcineurin, a Ca2+-calmodulin activated phosphatase, was recently implicated in the immunosuppressive mechanism of FK-506. In our ongoing search for superior immunosuppressive agents, we have synthesized several analogues of FK-506 and tested their mechanistic and immunosuppressive actions. It was found that C-18 hydroxyl analogues of ascomycin, an analogue of FK-506 also called FR900520, bound tightly to immunophilin FKBP-12, but do not show any immunosuppressive activity in vitro or in vivo despite good bioavail-ability. Further, they reverse the inhibition of calcineurin caused by FK-506/FKBP-12 complex.
