Tolerance--is it worth it?

Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. 2014 Feb 1;4(2):a015594. doi: 10.1101/cshperspect.a015594.

Abstract

We are entering an exciting time in the study of immunologic tolerance. Several cellular and molecular strategies have been developed that show promise in nonhuman transplant models and these approaches are just now appearing in clinical trials. Tolerance strategies that prevent immune rejection and obviate the need for immunosuppressive medications (with inherent risk of cancer, infection, and organ toxicity) would improve both graft and patient survival. Each tolerance protocol brings its own set of associated risks. As the results of these trials become available, we must continue to evaluate their successes and failures. The balance of these outcomes will help us answer the question: "Tolerance-Is it worth it?"

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Costimulatory and Inhibitory T-Cell Receptors / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Costs and Cost Analysis
  • Graft Rejection / genetics
  • Graft Rejection / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppression Therapy / adverse effects
  • Immunosuppression Therapy / methods*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology
  • Transplantation Chimera / immunology
  • Transplantation Conditioning / methods
  • Transplantation Tolerance / drug effects
  • Transplantation Tolerance / immunology*

Substances

  • Costimulatory and Inhibitory T-Cell Receptors
  • Immunosuppressive Agents