Immunology of Transplantation Flashcards
what is the major histocompatibility complex called in humans
histocompatilibilty locus antigen (HLA)
function of HLA
molecules which imprint individuality on cells (mark them as your own cells)
what class of HLA molecules are expressed by most somatic cells
class 1
function of HLA class I molecules
present peptides from internally processed proteins
which cells express HLA class II molecules
antigen presenting cells that are constantly sampling their microenvironment
function of HLA class II molecules
present antigenic peptides derived from digested material (including pathogen, abnormal or foreign cells)
what happens if a HLA class I molecule is associated with a virus derived protein
it is recognised as infected and killed by cytotoxic t cells
what happens if a HLA class II molecule displays a peptide derived from a foreign cell/pathogen
t cell immune response stimulated
if someone rejects a tranplant and gets a second similar one how would the body respond
rejected more quickly due to memory cells
what is HLA profiling used for
allocating kidneys that best match individuals
why is HLA not as important in liver transplant compared to kidney
liver is less immunogenic
how is HLA mismatch reported
0-0-0 mismatch if all of HLA-A, -B and DR loci are the same
2-2-2 mismatch if all different - less good match
immunosuppression drugs
corticosteroids
calcineurin inhibitors
anti-proliferative agents
various antibodies
MoA of corticosteroids for immunosuppression
kills lymphocytes
interferes with T cell activation and gene transcription
anti-inflammatory agents
immunosuppression drugs
corticosteroids
calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs)
anti-proliferative agents
various antibodies
