In vitro assays of allosensitization

Pediatr Transplant. 2009 Feb;13(1):25-34. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-3046.2008.01042.x. Epub 2008 Nov 12.

Abstract

Current approaches to the management of immunosuppression are largely empiric and reactive rather than proactive due to our inability to predict accurately how the recipient immune system will respond to a given organ allograft. The validation of simple, reliable, non-invasive assays exploring allogeneic anti donor responsiveness or donor specific non-responsiveness are of interest for several reasons: (i) it would allow for early and non-invasive detection of acute or chronic allograft rejection such that intervention could be initiated before effector mechanisms and organ destruction occur, (ii) it would allow for individual immunosuppressive drug therapy thereby avoiding the unwanted consequences of over immunosuppression, and (iii) the identification of the immunological phenotype related to operational tolerance could allow for the complete cessation of immunosuppressants. This review will summarize in vitro assays of T cell reactivity that reflect allo-antigen-specific responses.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigen-Antibody Reactions / immunology
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / immunology
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Graft Rejection / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance / immunology*
  • Immune Tolerance / physiology*
  • Immunoassay / methods*
  • Immunosuppression Therapy
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Phytohemagglutinins
  • Precursor Cells, T-Lymphoid / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Transplantation Immunology
  • Transplantation, Homologous / immunology*

Substances

  • Phytohemagglutinins