De novo autoimmunity after organ transplantation: targets and possible pathways

Hum Immunol. 2008 Jul;69(7):383-8. doi: 10.1016/j.humimm.2008.05.003. Epub 2008 Jun 9.

Abstract

The development of autoantibodies to different tissue-specific antigens in patients without existing history of autoimmune diseases suggests that autoimmunity may develop de novo after organ transplantation. In addition to allo-specific immune responses, tissue-specific autoimmunity also appears contribute to the host anti-graft response, and thus may affect long-term graft function. As graft failure caused by chronic rejection is a major challenge in clinical transplantation, understanding de novo autoreactivity after transplantation has important ramifications. This review investigates this emerging concept by discussing target antigens and possible pathways.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoantigens / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • Autoimmunity*
  • Graft Rejection / immunology*
  • Heat-Shock Proteins / immunology
  • Humans
  • Organ Specificity
  • Organ Transplantation*
  • Transplantation Immunology*

Substances

  • Autoantigens
  • Heat-Shock Proteins