title: Immunology insights into cardiac allograft rejection.
abstract: Despite long-term complications from chronic immunosuppressive therapy, the phenomenon of chronic rejection is still a limitation in cardiac allograft recipients. In this review, starting from basic immunologic concepts, we analyze the mechanisms involved in rejection following heart transplantation, with particular emphasis on chronic rejection manifested as cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV). Etiopathogenesis of CAV and diagnostic imaging studies are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, Policlinico G. Martino University Hospital, University of Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Marcello
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Savasta
authors.forename: Salvatore
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lentini
mesh_terms: D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D016027:Heart Transplantation / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents