Transplantation Immunology: Solid Organ and Bone Marrow
TLDR Transplant success has improved with better immunosuppressive drugs and donor matching.
The document reviewed advancements in transplantation immunology for solid organs and bone marrow, highlighting the role of MHC matching, T cells, and cytokines in graft tolerance and rejection. It discussed the development of immunosuppressive agents like corticosteroids, cyclosporine, and tacrolimus, which improved transplant success rates. Solid organ transplants, including kidneys, liver, heart, and lungs, showed significant survival improvements, with liver transplants becoming standard for chronic liver disease. Bone marrow transplants effectively treated over 50 diseases, with improved outcomes due to better donor matching and T-cell depletion. Gene therapy showed promise for severe immunodeficiencies but faced challenges like insertional oncogenesis. The document emphasized the need for less toxic, more specific immunosuppressors and ongoing research to enhance transplantation success.
