Transplantation Immunology

The immune system plays a pivotal role in transplantation. Recent advances in transplant immunology are wide ranging. These include the testing of new approaches to tolerance induction by the interruption of co-stimulatory pathways, the analysis of molecular events underlying the development of chronic rejection, efforts to increase the donor pool by consideration of the role of brain death in donor-dependent outcomes of allografting, and progress towards renal xenografting. The complex mechanisms of immunity, which work to identify foreign microbes and direct the immune system to destroy them, pose a significant barrier to successful transplantation. The development of pharmacologic and biological agents that interfere with the alloimmune response and graft rejection has had a crucial role in the success of organ transplantation. Combinations of these agents work synergistically, leading to lower doses of immunosuppressive drugs and reduced toxicity. ransplantation Immunology covers up-to-date information on all aspects of the broad field it encompasses. It brings important developments both in the field of molecular mechanisms involved and active therapeutic approaches employed for immunosuppression in various human disease conditions. This book covers a wide spectrum of topics including immunology of liver transplantation, kidneys, and others. The use of bone marrow transplantation for hematological diseases, particularly hematological malignancies and primary immunodeficiencies, has become the treatment of choice in many of these conditions. The worldwide authors of the chapters are experts in their respective fields. This book will serve well the needs of medical and clinical research students, practicing physicians, surgeons and biomedical scientists as it provides an insight into various approaches to transplant immunology and reviews current developments in this area.