Modulation of the normal immune response is the major challenge for successful organ
transplantation. Cardiac allograft rejection is primarily the result of activation
of T cells. Most currently used immunosuppressive agents mainly affect the T-cell-mediated
limb of the immune system. Immunosuppressive strategies can be considered to have
three goals: (1) prophylaxis against rejection early after cardiac transplantation,
(2) long-term maintenance prophylaxis, and (3) treatment of acute rejection. The extent
of immunosuppression needed varies with the time after transplantation and the rejection
profile of the individual patient. The goal is to provide sufficient immunosuppression
to retard rejection without causing undesirable side effects, including infection
and neoplasms.
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© 1992 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
