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Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Mouse Kidney Transplantation: Models of Allograft Rejection
Published on: October 11, 2014
Chronic allograft nephropathy
Nidyanandh Vadivel1, Stefan G Tullius, Anil Chandraker
1Transplantation Research Center, Division of Nephrology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA. nvadivel@rics.bwh.harvard.edu
Chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) significantly impacts long-term kidney transplant survival, with rising re-transplant dialysis rates. Focusing on prevention is key to managing CAN and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Transplantation Immunology
- Immunosuppression
Background:
- Chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) remains a major challenge in renal transplantation, limiting long-term graft survival despite advances in immunosuppression.
- One-year graft survival has improved, but long-term outcomes are stagnant, leading to a doubling of patients returning to dialysis in the last decade.
- Patients awaiting re-transplantation face increased mortality due to organ scarcity and heightened immunologic sensitization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN).
- To discuss the definition, natural history, pathophysiology, and contributing factors of CAN.
- To explore potential novel therapeutic targets and emphasize prevention strategies for CAN.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive analysis of the latest scientific literature on chronic allograft nephropathy.
- Detailed discussion of alloantigen-dependent and independent factors implicated in CAN.
- Identification and review of emerging therapeutic targets for CAN management.
Main Results:
- Long-term renal allograft survival has not significantly improved despite advances in immunosuppression.
- Factors contributing to CAN are complex, involving both immune and non-immune pathways.
- Early identification and proactive management are crucial for preventing CAN progression.
Conclusions:
- Prevention of CAN is paramount, shifting focus from cure to proactive management.
- Understanding the pathophysiology of CAN is essential for developing effective therapeutic strategies.
- Integrated management of contributing factors is vital for improving long-term renal allograft survival.
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