[What is new on transplantation in 2001?]

IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE THERAPY: Intravenous immunoglobulins have demonstrated their value for highly immunized cross-match positive transplantation candidates. Graft rejection during the first two post-transplantation weeks can be avoided with CMPATH-1H, humanized anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody, which produces major and persistent T- and B-cell as well as monocyte depletion. FTY 720 is well tolerated and has demonstrated its efficacy in preventing acute rejection. Sirolimus would have an antiatheromatous effect. Attempts to minimize immunosuppression should be followed for several months. OTHER NEW DEVELOPMENTS: There has been considerable interest in Langerhans islet transplantation. Work also concerns follow-up techniques used to diagnosis rejection. FUNDAMENTAL SCIENCE: New advances in basic science that should have an impact on transplantation have been made in the area of lymphocyte activation, toll-like receptor structures, and germinal and stem cells, as well as in the areas of essay methods and gene therapy.