Immunologic tolerance

Immunologic tolerance, an active state of antigen specific non-responsiveness, is important in understanding autoimmune diseases and the potential for transplant acceptance. Recent progress in basic studies and preclinical models involving mixed chimerism, costimulatory blockade, immune deviation, and HLA derived peptides suggest that clinical applications are now possible. The National Institutes of Health and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation recently launched an Immune Tolerance Network made up of investigators from around the world to develop clinical trials in immune tolerance in autoimmune disease, transplantation and allergy. This review highlights historical perspectives and recent progress in induction and maintenance of immunologic tolerance relevant to pediatric nephrology.