Methotrexate (Amethopterin), an antimetabolite and antifolate agent, inhibits the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase, thereby preventing the conversion of folic acid into tetrahydrofolate, and inhibiting DNA synthesis. Methotrexate, also an immunosuppressant and antineoplastic agent, is used for the research of rheumatoid arthritis and a number of different cancers (such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia).