Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

18:48
In Vitro and In Vivo Assessment of T, B and Myeloid Cells Suppressive Activity and Humoral Responses from Transplant Recipients
Published on: August 12, 2017
Regulatory T cells in transplantation
Herman Waldmann1, Tse-Ching Chen, Luis Graca
1Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK. herman.waldmann@path.ox.ac.uk
Seminars in Immunology
|February 16, 2006
Summary
Harnessing immune tolerance mechanisms, particularly regulatory T cells, can significantly reduce or eliminate immunosuppressive drugs in organ transplantation. This approach aims to induce natural graft acceptance, improving transplant outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Transplantation Biology
- Cellular Therapy
Background:
- Organ transplantation relies heavily on immunosuppressive drugs to prevent rejection.
- Current immunosuppression strategies have significant side effects and limitations.
- Developing tolerance mechanisms is crucial for long-term transplant success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of immune tolerance mechanisms in organ transplantation.
- To investigate the role of regulatory T cells in preventing graft rejection.
- To pave the way for drug-free immunosuppression in transplant recipients.
Main Methods:
- Focus on understanding the biology of regulatory T cells.
- Investigating selective vaccination strategies for T cells.
- Exploring the induction and maintenance of immune tolerance.
Main Results:
- Improved understanding of regulatory T cell function in transplantation.
- Potential to replace current immunosuppressive induction regimens.
- Demonstrated feasibility of selective T cell vaccination to prevent rejection.
Conclusions:
- Harnessing immune tolerance is key to minimizing and eliminating immunosuppressive drugs in organ transplantation.
- Regulatory T cell biology offers a promising avenue for achieving long-term graft acceptance.
- Selective T cell vaccination can establish dominant natural mechanisms to prevent graft rejection.
Related Concept Videos
T Cell Types and Functions
When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Tissue Transplantation
Tissue transplantation is a significant medical procedure involving the transfer of cells, tissues, or organs from a donor to a recipient, with the primary aim of restoring lost functions. This procedure is crucial in treating a broad spectrum of diseases, including kidney diseases, liver failure, heart disease, and certain types of cancers.
The Biology of Tissue Transplantation
The biology of tissue transplantation hinges on the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules. These molecules...
The Biology of Tissue Transplantation
The biology of tissue transplantation hinges on the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules. These molecules...
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...

