Description
Leflunomide inhibits dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, preventing UMP formation and pyrimidine synthesis. Metabolites of leflunomide may inhibit various kinases such as JNK and JAK. Leflunomide is clinically used to treat rheumatoid arthritis; it exhibits immunosuppressive, antiviral, and anticancer activities. In several cellular models, leflunomide prevents apoptosis and increases viability in human cytomegalovirus (CMV)-infected cells and inhibits replication of polyomavirus BK. Additionally, leflunomide increases activity of aryl hydrocarbon receptors, inhibiting proliferation of melanoma cells.