Molecular basis of transplant rejection and acceptance

The field of kidney transplantation is advancing so rapidly that it is difficult to keep up with the various therapeutic protocols, let alone our current understanding of transplantation immunobiology. This basic science review summarizes our current understanding of aspects of the cellular and molecular basis of renal transplant rejection and then details studies from the author's laboratory designed to specifically interrupt transplant rejection. The interaction of HLA with T cell receptors and the cascade of events following T cell activation are highlighted.