2005 immunosuppressive strategies in kidney transplantation: which role for the calcineurin inhibitors?

The calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) cyclosporine and tacrolimus have been the cornerstones of immunosuppressive strategies in clinical transplantation. Currently, regimens that are most widely used for induction and maintenance therapy include CNIs. However, many clinical trials aiming at reducing or eliminating CNIs have been performed in recent years. Here, we review and discuss current and future immunosuppressive strategies with a special emphasis on the role of CNIs, in the light of recent studies in the field of kidney transplantation. In the current era, CNIs still play an important role.