DAMP-Induced Allograft and Tumor Rejection: The Circle Is Closing

Abstract

The pathophysiological importance of the immunogenicity of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) has been pinpointed by their identification as triggers of allograft rejection following release from dying cells, such as after ischemia-reperfusion injury. In cancers, however, this strong trigger of a specific immune response gives rise to the success of cancer immunotherapy. Here, we review the recently literature on the pathophysiological importance of DAMP release and discuss the implications of these processes for allograft rejection and cancer immunotherapy, revealing a striking mechanistic overlap. We conclude that these two fields share a common mechanistic basis of regulated necrosis and inflammation, the molecular characterization of which may be helpful for both oncologists and the transplant community.

Keywords: basic (laboratory) research/science; cancer/malignancy/neoplasia; cell death; immune regulation; immunobiology; organ transplantation in general; rejection; rejection: antibody-mediated (ABMR); translational research/science.