Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

Corticosteroid (CS)

Corticosteroids suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation by binding to glucocorticoid receptors and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine production.

Corticosteroids suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation by binding to glucocorticoid receptors and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Used for Inflammatory and autoimmune disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vasculitis), Allergic and respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma, allergic rhinitis), Adrenal insufficiency.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Corticosteroids work by entering cells and binding to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, which then translocate to the nucleus and modulate gene expression. This leads to decreased production of inflammatory mediators (cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules) and suppression of immune cell activation and proliferation. The result is broad anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects across multiple tissues.

Approved indications

• Inflammatory and autoimmune disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vasculitis)
• Allergic and respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma, allergic rhinitis)
• Adrenal insufficiency
• Certain hematologic malignancies

Common side effects

• Immunosuppression / increased infection risk
• Hyperglycemia / diabetes
• Osteoporosis / bone loss
• Hypertension
• Weight gain / central obesity
• Mood changes / psychiatric effects
• Adrenal suppression
• Cataracts

Key clinical trials

• Study of Efficacy, Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetic (PK) and Pharmacodynamic (PD) of an Anti-CD40 Monoclonal Antibody, CFZ533, in Kidney Transplant Recipients (PHASE2)
• A Dose Escalation Study of TCD601 Compared to ATG in de Novo Renal Transplantation (PHASE2)
• Analysis of T- and B-Cell Subpopulations in Membranous Nephropathy
• A Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Upadacitinib in Participants With Giant Cell Arteritis (PHASE3)
• Belatacept in De Novo Heart Transplantation (PHASE2)
• Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) vs inTra-articular Corticosteroid Injection for Osteoarthritic Knee Pain. (NA)
• Rapid Recognition of Corticosteroid Resistant or Sensitive Sepsis (NA)
• Treatment of GVHD in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) Recipients Using AAT Plus Corticosteroids (CS) Compared With Corticosteroids Alone (PHASE3)

Primary sources

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