Current research on the immunomodulatory effect of allogeneic blood transfusion

Abstract

This review summarizes three aspects of current research on the immunomodulatory effect of allogeneic transfusion. Representatives of three laboratories each of which is actively engaged in research on transfusion-induced immunomodulation - summarize their current investigative approach. First, current animal models of transfusion-induced immunomodulation are presented and research on the tumor growth-promoting effect of allogeneic transfusion is described. Second, mechanisms underlying an immunomodulatory effect of transfusion are summarized and experiments on the induction of transplant tolerance by selective introduction of donor-type MHC antigens is presented. Third, the potential clinical impact of increased infection and tumor recurrence resulting from transfusion-induced immunomodulation is assessed. The potential role of donor-derived hematopoietic stem cells is presented as an area of future investigation in the area of transfusion-induced immunomodulation.