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. 2013 Aug 1;3(8):a014993.
doi: 10.1101/cshperspect.a014993.

Origin and biology of the allogeneic response

Fadi G Lakkis  1 , Robert I Lechler
Affiliations

Origin and biology of the allogeneic response

Fadi G Lakkis et al. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. .

Abstract

The recognition by the immune system of nonself determinants on cells, tissues, or organs transplanted between genetically disparate members of the same species can lead to a potent allogeneic response that is responsible for rejection. We review here fundamental concepts that underlie the origins and biology of allorecognition in the mammalian immune system. We examine why and how T cells are alloreactive and discuss emerging evidence of allorecognition by innate immune cells. The nature of T cells (naïve vs. memory) and the alloantigen presentation pathways (direct, indirect, and semidirect) that initiate the allogeneic response are outlined.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Pathways of alloantigen presentation. The three pathways of alloantigen presentation (direct, indirect, and semidirect) are shown. The frequency (%) of T cells that react to a specific pathway is indicated where known. APC, antigen-presenting cell; MHC, major histocompatibility complex molecule; TCR, T-cell receptor for antigen. (From Kaplan et al. 2012; reprinted, with permission, from John Wiley and Sons © 2012.)
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