Amplification of T-cell responses by neutrophils: relevance to allograft immunity

Because rejection of allografts is primarily caused by T and B lymphocyte responses to allogenic histocompatibility molecules, the role of innate immunity in organ transplant rejection is often overlooked. However, the very first damages to vascularized organ allografts are caused by ischemia-reperfusion, an inflammatory reaction involving activation of vascular endothelial cells and release of neutrophil chemoattractants. Herein, we review experimental observations suggesting that the early neutrophil influx in organ transplants favors T cell-mediated rejection.