Chimerism and Tolerance in Solid Organ Transplantation

Abstract

Transplantation has become standard of care to treat end-organ failure, replacing a failed organ with a functioning one. However, the toxicity of the immunosuppressive agents that are critical to graft maintenance is significant. Complications associated with the use of these agents include opportunistic infections, cardiovascular disorders, an increased rate of malignancy, and renal failure. As a result, approaches to induce tolerance to transplanted organs and/or minimize immunosuppression are a major priority. This review summarizes the role of chimerism in tolerance induction, presenting an historic perspective and ending on clinical protocols actively underway.