Study: New Anti-Rejection Technique Redirects Immune System

British researchers report they have discovered a new way to stop transplanted organs being rejected by redirecting the body's immune system rather than shutting it down.

Professor Maggie Dallman of Imperial College London, reporting in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, said the technique involves turning key white blood cells called T cells from "fighters" to "peacekeepers."

There are two key types of T cells: T helper cells, which stimulate immune response, and T suppressor cells that put the brakes on it.

The researchers said they demonstrated in mice that it is possible to alter whether T cells specialize in attacking foreign tissue causing rejection, or instead become part of the body's peacekeeping force.

In their study, mice were exposed to a combination of stimulated cellular signal called Notch, which controls the process of immune cells' specialisation.

Results show that exposing the mice to a combination of the Notch signal and material from the donor two weeks in advance of transplantation stimulated an immune response and significantly increased transplant acceptance from 20 to up to 80 days.

"Increasingly organ transplants in the case of kidneys, liver or lung tissue occur between living relatives so you know in advance who the donor and recipient are," said Dallman. "Our strategy opens up the possibility of offering gentler postoperative therapy by redirecting the recipient's immune system in advance of the transplant."

Other Sources: Journal of Clinical Investigation