Surgery · Oncology Principles and Transplantation

Basiliximab is given as induction therapy at the time of renal transplantation. Its immunosuppressive mechanism is:

  • A Inhibition of mTOR kinase, blocking IL-2 driven cell cycle progression
  • B Irreversible inhibition of purine synthesis by inhibition of xanthine oxidase
  • C Binding of CD3 on mature T cells causing complement-mediated T-cell depletion
  • D Blockade of the CD25 subunit of the IL-2 receptor on activated T cells
Correct answer: D. Blockade of the CD25 subunit of the IL-2 receptor on activated T cells

Explanation

Basiliximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody against CD25, the alpha chain of the IL-2 receptor expressed on activated T cells, providing non-depleting induction coverage in the early post-transplant period. Option C describes OKT3 (muromonab), a depleting anti-CD3 antibody, and option A describes sirolimus or everolimus. Mycophenolate inhibits guanine synthesis via IMP dehydrogenase, not xanthine oxidase.

Reference: Katzung's Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 16th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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