Immunology of transplantation

Cota, Allwyn M.; Midwinter, Mark J.

doi:10.1016/j.mpaic.2009.01.018

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Volume 10, Issue 5 , Pages 221-222, May 2009

Immunology of transplantation

Allwyn M Cota MSc FRCS FRCSEd is a final-year SpR at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK. Research interests include inmunological responses in clandicants. Conflicts of interest: none declared

Mark J Midwinter MD FRCS is a Consultant GI surgeon at Derriford Hospital, and the Defence Professor of Surgery and head of the Academic Department of Military Surgery and Trauma, Royal Centre of Defence Medicine, Birmingham, UK. His clinical and research interests include all acute pancreatitis, pancreatic surgery, and trauma and emergency surgery. Conflicts of interest: none declared

Abstract

Understanding the interaction of foreign tissue with the recipient immune system is key to improving results from organ transplantation. Responses are mediated by the humoral and cellular arms of the host immune system towards the tissues of the transplant. Unchecked this can lead to rejection of the graft. Improvements in immunosuppressive therapy have countered these reactions to a degree but are not without side effects. Future work is directed at improving graft tolerance without unwanted host effects.

Keywords: immunosuppression, rejection, transplantation