[Pathophysiology of intestinal grafts]

Following the introduction of tacrolimus, intestinal transplantation is now a valid option for patients with chronic intestinalfailure. However, its outcome is undermined by the abundant lymphoid component of the graft and the septic nature of the procedure. The heavy immunosuppression necessitated by this transplant, and its non specific nature, creates a risk of infectious and tumoral complications. Several approaches are being tested to improve the immune tolerance of intestinal grafts, both in animals models and in the clinic. The most promising seek to induce specific tolerance while sparing antimicrobial and antitumoral immunity.