[Lymphocytes in transplantation immunity--in the relation to HLA antigens]

Allograft rejection, in kidney transplantation, is initiated by recipient's lymphocytes with the recognition of genetically determined antigens, histocompatibility antigens, which are expressed on the graft, followed by killer T cell induction and antibody production against the graft. Recent advances in our knowledge of the human major histcompatibility complex antigens-HLA antigens, which have an important role in transplantation immunity, are herein reviewed briefly and the relation to allograft rejection is discussed.