Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh in the US found that transplanting donor immune cells improves the effectiveness and safety of organ transplantation. Research results published In Science magazine.
Graft rejection reaction (RTR) is an immunological process directed against tissues that are foreign to the body and transplanted during transplantation. Scientists are looking for ways to prevent the recipient’s immune system from attacking the donor organ without using immunosuppressive drugs. Long-term use of such drugs can cause cancer, diabetes, kidney failure and susceptibility to infections.
45 patients who underwent liver transplant surgery were included in the study. A week before surgery, scientists took blood samples from 15 donors and isolated monocytes, a type of white blood cells. They then stimulated the monocytes to produce regulatory dendritic cells (DCregs). They help the rest of the immune system distinguish foreign cells from their own cells.
DCregs were administered to 15 of 45 patients. Recipient patients were then prescribed standard doses of immunosuppressants. There were no differences in postoperative reactions or acute rejection between the two groups.
A year later, the scientists took blood samples from all recipient subjects. They found that those who received DCreg had reduced numbers of other immune cells that can cause ROS. In patients who had previously undergone surgery without cell transplantation, the immune system was partially “ready” to reject foreign organs.
Researchers hope that a new method of transplanting DCregs cells will shorten the duration of treatment with immunosuppressants. This will reduce the negative impact on recipients’ immunity.
Previously surgeons have successfully spent second ever human pig heart transplant.