title: Origin of lymph node-derived lymphocytes in human hepatic allografts.
abstract: Hepatic allograft-derived lymph nodes were examined in the post-transplant period on order to determine the origin of lymphocytes and structural elements of the lymph node. Histologic assessment and immunohistochemical studies verified that T-cell infiltration of donor lymph nodes by recipient-derived lymphocytes occurred early in the post-transplant period. These T cells bore T-cell activation markers, e.g. TAC receptor and HLA-DR antigens. In addition, functional analysis demonstrated alloreactive T cells in secondary proliferation assays. The pattern of alloreactivity in these assays was dependent upon the phenotypic make-up (and therefore origin) of the lymphocytes within the lymph node. A gradual shift in predominance of donor-derived lymphocytes to recipient-derived lymphocytes occurred, but even late in the post-transplant course the stromal elements and a residium of lymphocytes within the lymph nodes continued to bear donor HLA antigens. The possible role of these "passenger" lymphocytes in allograft immunity is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Surgery and Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, and the Central Blood Bank of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
authors.forename: John J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Fung
authors.forename: Adriane
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zeevi
authors.forename: A Jake
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Demetris
authors.forename: Thomas E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Starzl
authors.forename: Bernd
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Markus
authors.forename: Kangnian
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Marilyn
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Marrarri
authors.forename: Rene J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Duquesnoy