Objective To summarize the significance of CYP3A5 in individualized immunosuppressive treatment with tacrolimus (FK506) after liver transplantation. Methods Relevant literatures about the effect of CYP3A5 polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus in liver transplant recipients, which were published recently domestic and abroad, were reviewed and analyzed. Results Tacrolimus was used effectively to prevent allograft rejection after liver transplantation. Narrow therapeutic range and individual variation in pharmacokinetics made it difficultly to establish a fixed dosage for all patients. Genetic polymorphism in drug metabolizing enzymes and in transporters influenced the plasma concentration of tacrolimus. CYP3A5 genotype had an effect on the tacrolimus dose requirement in liver transplant recipients.Conclusion Genotyping for CYP3A5 may help optimal individualization of immunosuppressive drug therapy for patients undergoing liver transplantation
