[Biological markers of allograft rejection]

The main cause of graft failure is rejection. Beside clinical manifestations of graft dysfunction, biological markers of graft rejection have been proposed. These are biochemical markers related to inflammatory response or lymphocyte activation (cytokines, thromboxane B2, beta 2 microglobulin, neopterin) and cellular markers. Cells may be obtained from peripheral blood, the graft itself or urine, biliary or pancreatic fluid. Phenotypic (IL2 receptors, HLA DR, CD4, CD8) or functional (mitotic index, cell specific cytotoxicity) properties have been studied. Numerous markers have been proposed but few of them are specific enough and routinely used.