[Monoclonal antibodies and transplantation]

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Transplantation Medicine
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Polyclonal antibodies have been the standard in allograft transplantation.
• Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are increasingly evaluated for their therapeutic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the classification and potential applications of different families of monoclonal antibodies in allograft transplantation.
• To highlight the emerging role of mAbs in preventing organ rejection and inducing tolerance.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on monoclonal antibodies in transplantation.
• Classification of mAbs into four main families based on their targets.

Main Results:

• Monoclonal antibodies targeting CD3/T receptor complex, Interleukin II receptor, adhesion molecules (LFA1, ICAM1), and co-receptor molecules (CD4) have been studied.
• Antibodies against adhesion molecules show potential in preventing reperfusion injury.
• CD4-targeting antibodies have induced indefinite allograft tolerance in rodent models.

Conclusions:

• Monoclonal antibodies represent a diverse and promising therapeutic strategy in allograft transplantation.
• Specific mAb families offer distinct advantages, from preventing acute injury to inducing long-term tolerance.
• Further research may translate these findings into human clinical applications.