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Role of extracellular matrix proteins in organ transplantation
J W Kupiec-Weglinski1, A Górski
1Surgical Research Laboratory, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Recent data indicate that the extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins can regulate the process of T cell activation. Lymphocytes express an array of surface integrin and non-integrin receptors (adhesion molecules) mediating those phenomena. Since ECM proteins accumulate in situ during allograft rejection, it is likely that such T cell: ECM interactions are relevant in the immunopathology of rejection. Adhesion molecules are also thought to affect the very early events between host leukocytes and vascular endothelium. Therefore, immunomodulation of T cell interactions with the ECM proteins and endothelium may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies in clinical organ transplantation.
Recent data indicate that the extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins can regulate the process of T cell activation. Lymphocytes express an array of surface integrin and non-integrin receptors (adhesion molecules) mediating those phenomena. Since ECM proteins accumulate in situ during allograft rejection, it is likely that such T cell: ECM interactions are relevant in the immunopathology of rejection. Adhesion molecules are also thought to affect the very early events between host leukocytes and vascular endothelium. Therefore, immunomodulation of T cell interactions with the ECM proteins and endothelium may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies in clinical organ transplantation.