[Pharmacological modulation of the complement system: an opportunity for successful xenotransplantation]

Hyperacute graft rejection triggered by the activation of the recipient's complement system represents the major obstacle to a successful xenotransplantation. Inhibition of complement activation is, therefore, considered as a prerequisite for xenograft survival. Support of the physiological regulation of the complement system appears to be the most promising strategy as indicated by first results from animal xenograft experiments. The transfer of human membrane-bound complement regulatory proteins offers new chances to protect the xenograft against the cytolytic complement attack. Another approach aims at interfering with receptor/ligand interaction of the adhesion molecules CR3 and CR4 (CD11b,c/CD18). All strategies of complement intervention have to consider the important function of complement within the immunological defense.