ABSTRACT
O rgan transplantation has been developed as ultimative option in patients with end-stage organ diseases. New immunosuppressive regimens and improved perioperative management did improve the short-term results during the last decade, however, insufficient control of chronic rejection and side effects of continuous immunosuppression limit the long-term success of this approach. The immunosuppressive drugs used today sup press both unspecific inflammatory reactions and specific T-cell activation. Unfortunately, these powerful drugs also prevent the activation of the endogenous counterregulatory processes that control the immune response (e.g., regulatory T cells, anti-inflammatory cytokines). Thus, targeting more selective the inflammatory process would be of outstanding interest.
