[Alloreactive helper T cell responses in kidney transplant patients].
OBJECTIVE
To study allo-specific immune responses of CD4+ helper T lymphocytes (Th) in patients with long-term and well-functioning renal grafts.


METHODS
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were collected from 16 patients with long-term (3-15 years) and well-functioning live-related renal grafts. Donor-specific Th precursor (Th-p) frequencies in the PBMC were determined by limiting dilution analysis(LDA).


RESULTS
Eight out of the 16 patients showed donor-specific hyporesponsiveness. Donor-specific Th-p from the other 8 patients was susceptible to anti-CD4 inhibition.


CONCLUSIONS
Some of the patients carrying long-term and well-functioning renal grafts had become immunologic tolerant to donor cells. Donor-specific Th-p from patients who did not show donor-specific hyporesponsiveness were of low avidity type.
Weng
L
L
Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100083, China. Lweng@yahoo.com
Lin
C
C
Mason
P
P
Lechler
R
R
Gao
X
X
D000328:Adult; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D007201:Indicator Dilution Techniques; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000276:immunology*; D019520:Living Donors; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017741:Survivors; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology*
D006684:HLA-DR Antigens