Transplant Tolerance: New Insights and Strategies for Long-Term Allograft Acceptance. (12th May 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ruiz, Paulina; Maldonado, Paula; Hidalgo, Yessia; Gleisner, Alejandra; Sauma, Daniela; Silva, Cinthia; Saez, Juan Jose; Nuñez, Sarah; Rosemblatt, Mario; Bono, Maria Rosa
• Other Names: Kroger Nicolaus Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Clinical & developmental immunology. Volume 2013(2013)
• Publication Date: 2013-05-12
• Subjects: Developmental immunology -- Periodicals; Clinical immunology -- Periodicals; Immune System -- immunology -- Periodicals; Immune System -- growth & development -- Periodicals; Immune System Diseases -- immunology -- Periodicals; 571.9638
• DOI: 10.1155/2013/210506
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1740-2522

Abstract

Abstract : One of the greatest advances in medicine during the past century is the introduction of organ transplantation. This therapeutic strategy designed to treat organ failure and organ dysfunction allows to prolong the survival of many patients that are faced with no other treatment option. Today, organ transplantation between genetically dissimilar individuals (allogeneic grafting) is a procedure widely used as a therapeutic alternative in cases of organ failure, hematological disease treatment, and some malignancies. Despite the potential of organ transplantation, the administration of immunosuppressive drugs required for allograft acceptance induces severe immunosuppression in transplanted patients, which leads to serious side effects such as infection with opportunistic pathogens and the occurrence of neoplasias, in addition to the known intrinsic toxicity of these drugs. To solve this setback in allotransplantation, researchers have focused on manipulating the immune response in order to create a state of tolerance rather than unspecific immunosuppression. Here, we describe the different treatments and some of the novel immunotherapeutic strategies undertaken to induce transplantation tolerance.