Graft-versus-Host Reaction and Rejection after Experimental Small-Bowel Transplantation

Abstract

Since the first successful kidney transplantation in 1954 (108), developments in the field of organ transplantation have been rapid. A deeper understanding about the immunological reactions that occur after transplantation and the introduction of new immunosuppressive drugs have played a role in this development. Nowadays, hearts, lungs, livers, and pancreases are also transplanted successfully. However, small-bowel transplantation is still at an experimental stage, despite the fact that an obvious clinical demand exists. The small bowel appears to be one of the most difficult organs to transplant successfully. One reason for this being its specific immunology: because of the large amounts of lymphoid tissue present in the graft, not only rejection but also graft-versus-host reaction (GVHR) may occur after small-bowel transplantation.