Gene polymorphisms and transplantation

The influence of gene polymorphisms in key immunoregulatory molecules on the clinical course post-transplant has become an area of active research, since it offers a possible explanation for the heterogeneity in outcomes between individuals. Several groups have now investigated the association of polymorphisms in molecules — including cytokines, cytokine receptors, adhesion molecules and costimulatory molecules — that participate in the immune response to an allograft. Several interesting observations have been made that would suggest that genetic variability influencing allograft survival reaches beyond that of the MHC molecules.