Ann Liver Transplant.  2023 Nov;3(2):63-68. 10.52604/alt.23.0021.

Biological immunosuppressive agents used in liver transplantation

• Park CS
• Chung YK

• KMID: 2560924
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.52604/alt.23.0021

Abstract

Liver transplantation (LT) has become the preferred treatment for conditions like end-stage liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma. With advancements in immunosuppressive therapies over time, there have been significant improvements in both graft and patient survival rates. However, the side effects of these immunosuppressive drugs now pose a major challenge to the quality of life and long-term outcomes post-transplantation. The key goal of personalized immunosuppression is to strike a fine balance between effective immunosuppression and minimizing side effects. Immunosuppressive agents are generally divided into two main categories: biological and pharmacological agents. Most treatment protocols combine multiple agents with varied mechanisms of action to lower the required dosages and reduce toxicity. The post-transplant immunosuppression process typically involves an intensive phase in the initial three months, when alloreactivity is heightened, followed by a maintenance phase that incorporates immunosuppression minimization strategies. This review was focused on the biologic agents employed in the treatment of LT recipients.

Keyword

Biological agent; Acute rejection; Immunosuppression; Monoclonal antibody; Polyclonal antibody