The role of histocompatibility antigens in transplantation of isolated islets of Langerhans in the rat.
In a model of congenic and intra-MHC recombinant rat strains, the differential role of various histocompatibility antigens in renal subcapsular transplantation of purified islets of Langerhans is evaluated. Class I MHC antigens of the RT1.A region, expressed on the endocrine cells of the islets themselves, do not induce graft rejection on their own. MHC class I antigens as encoded by the RT1.C region do not induce rejection either. MHC class II antigens as encoded by the RT1.B/D region are not expressed on the endocrine pancreas, not even during rejection. Although interstitial dendritic cells situated within the islets express these antigens, an isolated RT1.B/D incompatibility of islets is associated with prolonged survival in contrast to rapid rejection of fully MHC-mismatched grafts. Unlike other organs, islets matched for all MHC antigens, but incompatible at minor histocompatibility antigens, undergo rejection early after transplantation.
Hiller
W F
WF
Department of Abdominal and Transplantation Surgery, Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
Steiniger
B
B
Klempnauer
J
J
D000818:Animals; D003921:Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / Q000601:surgery*; D006084:Graft Rejection; D006649:Histocompatibility Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D016381:Islets of Langerhans Transplantation / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011917:Rats, Inbred Lew; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013045:Species Specificity
D006649:Histocompatibility Antigens