Which of the following are true of cyclosporine?

B. It acts selectively on T cells to suppress rejection.

C. Toxic effects include hirsutism, hypertension, nephrotoxicity, and increased risk of opportunistic infections. 

DISCUSSION: Cyclosporine is a product of a fungus and was discovered in 1972. It has contributed very significantly to the development of the field of transplantation. The mechanism of action is relatively specific for T lymphocytes. Other inflammatory cells are much less sensitive to its immunosuppressive effects. It inhibits activated T lymphocytes and prevents the cells from manufacturing and releasing interleukin 2 (IL-2). Toxicities include hirsutism, hypertension, nephrotoxicity, and increased risk of opportunistic infections (because it still functions as a nonspecific immunosuppressive agent).