title: Assessing immunologic risk factors in transplantation.
abstract: The innate and adaptive immune systems, together, represent the largest impediment to good and long-lasting graft function. Although improved immunosuppressive agents and expanded and enhanced diagnostic tools have led to better prevention and treatment of acute rejection, chronic rejection remains a serious threat to long-term graft survival. Immunologic heterogeneity among patients, variability in treatment protocols and unforeseen events following transplantation translate into different levels of risk among patients. While one cannot predict with certainty the short- and long-term outcomes of a particular transplant, it is possible to identify immunologic risk factors that can affect outcome.
authors: Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 2041 E Monument St., Baltimore, MD 21205-2222, USA. mphilogene@jhmi.edu
authors: Mary Carmelle
authors: MC
authors: Philogene
authors: Andrea A
authors: AA
authors: Zachary
mesh_terms: D056704:Adaptive Immunity; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000276:immunology*; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D006648:Histocompatibility; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D016377:Organ Transplantation; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000276:immunology*; D012306:Risk
chemical_list: D006680:HLA Antigens