Graft failure IV. Immunologic mechanisms of corneal transplant rejection.
Corneal transplantation is the oldest and the most common form of solid tissue transplantation in humans. Immunologic graft rejection is one of the main causes of short and long-term graft failure. Rejection involves donor tissue recognition and destruction by allo-specific immune cells of the recipient. This review outlines (1) the immunobiology of transplantation, with reference to ocular immune privilege, (2) factors that confer "high-risk" status to a graft and (3) the pathophysiologic mechanisms of corneal transplant rejection.
Cornea Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Eva-Marie
EM
Chong
M Reza
MR
Dana
D003315:Cornea / Q000276:immunology*; D016039:Corneal Transplantation / Q000276:immunology*; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000502:physiology