Immunological Characteristics and Management of Kidney Transplantation

Abstract

Kidney transplantation (KT) is the best way to improve the quality of life and survival of patients with end-stage renal disease. However, after KT the adaptive immune system plays important roles in the development of rejection via multiple pathways. Accordingly, the suppression or modulation of these pathways is key to allograft survival. Advances in our understanding of the immunology related to KT with the development of immunosuppressants have reduced the rate of acute rejection and improved short-term transplant outcomes. Nonetheless, <i>de novo</i> donor-specific antibodies and subsequent chronic rejection continue to be responsible for the poor long-term survival of transplanted patients. In addition, the morbidity and mortality rates in patients returning to dialysis after graft failure are high. Better long-term outcomes following KT require innovative treatment strategies that include a focus on de novo antibodies. Here, we review basic transplant immunology as well as the diagnostic tools and medications that contribute to successful KT. We also provide an update on newly developed immunosuppressants.