Immunology, kidney transplantation

The first successful kidney transplant was performed 25 years ago. Since then in many centers throughout the world, renal transplantation has become the preferred alternative for patients with end-stage renal disease. While many transplant patients (whether they received kidneys from living relatives or cadaveric donors) have enjoyed a very active and productive life, others have been less fortunate and have experienced organ rejection, despite administration of massive amounts of immunosuppressants. These patients have had to suffer troublesome side effects such as sepsis. The phenomenon of rejection is initiated by the immune system of the body, by which the body protects its integrity against foreign agents or substances. At best, the immune system is partially understood and many aspects remain baffling. This article reviews the multiple facets of rejection and the serious problems encountered by patients whose bodies reject the organ grafts.5