Randomised trial of basiliximab versus placebo for control of acute cellular rejection in renal allograft recipients

Selective Blockade of IL-15 by Soluble IL-15 Receptor α-Chain Enhances Cardiac Allograft Survival

“…T cell growth factors such as IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, and IL-15 promote differentiation and clonal expansion of activated alloreactive T cells, whereas proinflammatory cytokines such as IFN-␥ and TNF-␣ contribute significantly to the effector mechanisms responsible for graft destruction (1,2). The T cell-derived cytokine IL-2 was the first major T cell growth factor identified, and therapeutic Abs directed against the ␣-chain of the IL-2R (CD25) have recently been shown, when combined with conventional immunosuppressive agents, to reduce the incidence of acute rejection after human organ transplantation (3,4). However, allograft rejection still occurs in the presence of IL-2/IL-2R blockade (3)(4)(5).…”

“…The T cell-derived cytokine IL-2 was the first major T cell growth factor identified, and therapeutic Abs directed against the ␣-chain of the IL-2R (CD25) have recently been shown, when combined with conventional immunosuppressive agents, to reduce the incidence of acute rejection after human organ transplantation (3,4). However, allograft rejection still occurs in the presence of IL-2/IL-2R blockade (3)(4)(5). Moreover, IL-2 gene knockout mice and IL-2/IL-4 doubleknockout mice are still able to reject allografts, highlighting the redundancy in the cytokine network and suggesting a potentially important role for other immunoregulatory cytokines, such as IL-7 and IL-15, in the graft rejection process (6,7).…”

Renal Transplantation: Experience at a Single Centre

“…The use of humanized or chimeric monoclonal antibodies against the IL-2 receptor has resulted in decreased incidence of rejection without an apparent increase in infection or lymphoproliferative disease [11,12] as compared with anti lymphocyte globulin or anti thymocyte globulin. These drugs have been used in patients who have a higher chances of acute rejection like poorly matched patients and children.…”

Immunosuppressive Therapy After Cardiac Transplantation

“…Saturation maintained with basiliximab for 4 to 6 weeks, with daclizumab for about 90 to 120 days. It was shown that anti-IL-2 receptor antibodies when combined with standard triple druge regime for induction therapy compared to placebo reduces rejection episodes [19,20]. In a trial using daclizumab 1 mg per kg within 24 hours after HTx and repeated every two weeks www.intechopen.com Cardiac Transplantation 6 for a total dosage of five, less rejection rates compared to placebo were seen [19].…”