[Transplantation immunology of bone and other collagen-based tissues]

After transplantation of allogeneic bone, cartilage and soft connective tissues different healing processes could be detected depending on the difference of host and graft antigenicities. If the graft antigens were removed completely, HLA, AB0 or Rh matching would not necessary. In case of bone tissue the most important step is the elimination of antigen rich bone marrow and other cells. After transplantation of soft connective tissues with low antigenicity the expected immune response is low. By means of proper pretreatment the antigenicity is diminishable. The best preservation method of bone and soft connective tissues is the freeze-drying. In case of those grafts where the viability of cells is crucial e.g. osteochondral allografts, cartilage, skin, heart valves, the cryopreservation is thought to be the best preservation method. After transplantation immunosuppression is not necessary. The correct donor selection and the graft sterility are the most important, in respect successful clinical application. The evoked immune response generally does not reach that level which could damage graft or host.