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Pharmacological modulation of cell death in organ transplantation
Pietro E Cippà1, Thomas Fehr1,2
1Division of Nephrology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Abstract:
New options to pharmacologically modulate fundamental mechanisms of regulated cell death are rapidly evolving and found first clinical applications in cancer therapy. Here, we present an overview on how the recent advances in the understanding of the biology and pharmacology of cell death might influence research and clinical practice in solid organ transplantation. Of particular interest are the novel opportunities related to organ preservation and immunomodulation, which might contribute to promote organ repair and to develop more selective ways to modulate allogeneic immune responses to prevent rejection and induce immunological tolerance.
Insights
New cell death therapies, initially used in cancer treatment, show promise for organ transplantation. These advances may improve organ preservation, repair, and reduce immune rejection, potentially leading to greater transplant tolerance.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
- Transplantation Biology
Background:
- Regulated cell death mechanisms are increasingly understood and targeted pharmacologically.
- Initial clinical applications of these therapies are emerging in cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential impact of cell death research on solid organ transplantation.
- To highlight novel therapeutic opportunities in organ preservation and immunomodulation.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent advances in cell death biology and pharmacology.
- Analysis of potential applications in transplantation research and clinical practice.
Main Results:
- Emerging cell death modulation strategies offer new avenues for organ preservation.
- These strategies may enhance organ repair and facilitate more selective immunomodulation.
- Potential for preventing transplant rejection and inducing immunological tolerance exists.
Conclusions:
- Advances in regulated cell death present significant opportunities for solid organ transplantation.
- Targeting cell death mechanisms could revolutionize organ preservation, repair, and immune tolerance induction.
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