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Updated: Oct 11, 2025
18:48
In Vitro and In Vivo Assessment of T, B and Myeloid Cells Suppressive Activity and Humoral Responses from Transplant Recipients
Published on: August 12, 2017
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Towards tolerance in liver transplantation.
L Toti1, T M Manzia2, B Sensi2
1Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary and Transplant Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
Best Practice & Research. Clinical Gastroenterology
|December 7, 2021
Summary
Liver transplantation patients may safely stop immunosuppression due to the liver's natural tolerance. This could reduce severe side effects associated with long-term immune suppression therapy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Transplantation Medicine
- Hepatology
Background:
- Long-term immunosuppression is standard after liver transplantation to prevent graft rejection.
- However, this therapy carries significant risks, including infections, cardiovascular issues, and malignancies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential for safe withdrawal of immunosuppression in liver transplant recipients.
- To investigate the liver's inherent tolerogenic properties in the context of transplantation.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on immunosuppression and liver transplantation.
- Analysis of data regarding liver graft tolerogenicity.
- Evaluation of patient outcomes after immunosuppression withdrawal in select cases.
Main Results:
- The liver is recognized as a privileged organ with significant tolerogenic capacity.
- A substantial proportion (up to 60%) of carefully selected liver transplant patients may be candidates for immunosuppression cessation.
Conclusions:
- Liver transplantation offers a unique opportunity to achieve operational tolerance, potentially eliminating the need for lifelong immunosuppression.
- Withdrawal of immunosuppression in selected liver transplant recipients could significantly improve long-term outcomes and reduce treatment-related complications.
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