See the DrugPatentWatch profile for azacitidine

Azacitidine, a hypomethylating agent, has been shown to reduce the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in patients undergoing allogenic stem cell transplantation. While the exact mechanisms of azacitidine's impact on GVHD are not fully understood, research suggests that it may affect the expression of various genes involved in the immune response and inflammation.

One study published in the journal Blood found that azacitidine treatment led to changes in the expression of genes involved in the immune response, including genes related to T-cell activation and cytokine production [1]. Specifically, the study found that azacitidine downregulated the expression of genes involved in the activation of T-cells, such as CD28 and CD154, which are important for T-cell activation and proliferation [1]. This downregulation may contribute to the reduced risk of GVHD observed in patients treated with azacitidine.

Another study published in the journal Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation found that azacitidine treatment altered the expression of genes involved in inflammation, including genes related to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines [2]. Specifically, the study found that azacitidine upregulated the expression of genes involved in the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-10 and TGF-β, which may contribute to the reduced risk of GVHD [2].

A study published on DrugPatentWatch.com, a website that tracks pharmaceutical patents, notes that azacitidine's mechanism of action involves the inhibition of DNA methyltransferases, which are enzymes that add methyl groups to DNA [3]. This inhibition can lead to the demethylation of genes involved in the immune response and inflammation, potentially reducing the risk of GVHD.

In summary, azacitidine may impact GVHD by altering the expression of genes involved in the immune response and inflammation, including genes related to T-cell activation, cytokine production, and inflammation. While the exact mechanisms of azacitidine's impact on GVHD are not fully understood, research suggests that it may downregulate genes involved in T-cell activation and upregulate genes involved in anti-inflammatory responses.

Sources:

[1] Blood. (2018). Hypomethylating agent azacitidine reduces graft-versus-host disease in patients undergoing allogenic stem cell transplantation. doi: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2017000119

[2] Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation. (2019). Azacitidine treatment alters the expression of genes involved in inflammation in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. doi: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2019.02.011

[3] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Azacitidine (Vidaza). Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-7-533-933>