Effective monitoring and modulation of immune reactivity in allograft recipients
Thomas, F.; Lee, H.M.; Thomas, J.; Mendez-Picon, G.
Proceedings of the Clinical Dialysis and Transplant Forum 6: 20-26
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0094-6044 PMID: 801063 Document Number: 102579
This study demonstrates that current techniques of immune monitoring and modulation are available, which have potential to reduce early cadaver allograft loss from rejection to 5% or less. The techniques center on the monitoring of T lymphocyte levels and T lymphocyte reactivity, using relatively simple and reproducible assays, which give results within 4-72 hrs, depending upon the tests used. In addition, these techniques include modulation of T cell levels and reactivity using quality-controlled anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) in low doses during the post-transplant period. High potency ATG demonstrates a significant capability of preventing early (3 mos) graft rejection, as well as maintaining low levels and reactivity of T cells for 3 mos or longer, when intermittent low dose therapy is utilized. Evidence is presented that ATG has a relatively selective effect on T lymphocytes and this may result in a degree of selective immunosuppression not achieved in clinical transplantation to date.