Journal de thermodynamique et de catalyse
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Kidney Transplantation: The Challenge of Human Leukocyte Antigen and Its Therapeutic Strategies

Tagesse Sedoro

Kidney transplantation remains the treatment of choice for end-stage renal failure. When the immune system of the recipient recognizes the transplanted kidney as a foreign object, graft rejection occurs. As part of the host immune defense mechanism, human leukocyte  antigen (HLA) is a major challenge for graft rejection in transplantation therapy. The impact of HLA mismatches between the donor  and the potential recipient prolongs the time for renal transplantation therapy, tethered to dialysis, latter reduces graft survival, and  increases mortality. The formation of pretransplant alloantibodies against HLA class I and II molecules can be sensitized through exposures to blood transfusions, prior transplants, and pregnancy. These preformed HLA antibodies are associated with rejection in kidney  transplantation. On the other hand, the development of de novo antibodies may increase the risk for acute and chronic rejections.  Allograft rejection results from a complex interplay involving both the innate and the adaptive immune systems. Thus, further insights  into the mechanisms of tissue rejection and the risk of HLA sensitization is crucial in developing new therapies that may blunt the  immune system against transplanted organs. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to highlight facts about HLA and its sensitization,  various mechanisms of allograft rejection, the current immunosuppressive approaches, and the directions for future therapy.