NCIt definition : A pyrimidine analogue and purine nucleoside phosphorylase inhibitor with immunosuppressive
and antineoplastic properties. Peldesine inhibits purine nucleoside phosphorylase
(PNP) that plays a pivotal role in T-cell proliferation and is responsible for the
catalysis of the reversible phosphorolytic cleavage of purine ribonucleosides and
2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Inhibition of PNP results in accumulation of dGTP and the
subsequent failure of DNA synthesis. This agent maybe used in T-cell related autoimmune
diseases including psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn s disease and T-cell
cancers;
Alternative definition : NCI-GLOSS: A substance that is being studied for the treatment of cancer.;