J Korean Soc Transplant.  2012 Sep;26(3):165-173. 10.4285/jkstn.2012.26.3.165.

The Role of Macrophages in Transplant Rejection

• Yeom HJ
• Ahn C
• Yang J

• KMID: 2003531
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4285/jkstn.2012.26.3.165

Abstract

Macrophage accumulation has been recognized as a feature of allograft rejection, however, the role of macrophages in rejection remains underappreciated. Macrophages are present within graft tissues throughout the lifespan of the graft, including acute rejection episodes. Recent advances in macrophage biology have demonstrated that different types of macrophages in grafts serve a range of functions, including promotion or attenuation of inflammation, participation in innate and adaptive immune responses, and mediation of tissue injury, fibrosis, and tissue repair. Macrophages contribute to both the innate and acquired arms of the alloimmune response, and, thus, may be involved in all aspects of acute and chronic allograft rejection. Macrophages are also involved in hyperacute and acute vascular rejection of xenografts. A deeper understanding of how macrophages accumulate within grafts and of the factors that control differentiation and function of these cells could lead to identification of novel therapeutic targets in transplantation.

Keyword

Homologous transplantation; Macrophages; Graft rejection; Transplantation; Heterologous transplantation

MeSH Terms

Arm
Biology
Fibrosis
Graft Rejection
Inflammation
Macrophages
Negotiating
Rejection (Psychology)
Transplantation, Heterologous
Transplantation, Homologous
Transplants

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Roles of macrophages in innate and adaptive immunity. (A) Macrophages induce innate immune response. (B) Macrophages activate adaptive immune response by presenting antigens to CD4+ T cells. (C) Macropahges augment adaptive immune response by their action as effector cells under the guide of T cells.

• 

  Fig. 2 Regulatory actions of CD47 and CD200 for macrophages. (A) Interaction of CD47 and SIRPα suppresses phagocytotic activity of macrophages. (B) Interaction of CD200 and CD200 receptor suppresses production of proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species by macrophages.

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