The induction of tolerance to alloantigens using MHC class I molecules

The identification of approaches that allow the adult immune system to be manipulated to facilitate the induction of tolerance to alloantigens is important for the development of more specific immunosuppressive therapy for use in transplantation. Novel strategies using genetic manipulation of recipient cells for the induction of tolerance to MHC class I antigens have been tested in experimental systems in the past year. These, together with new insights into the mechanisms responsible for maintaining peripheral tolerance, have advanced our progress in this challenging area of transplantation biology.