Characterization of a novel activation antigen on porcine lymphocytes recognized by monoclonal antibody 5A6/8.

In this report, we describe the characterization of a novel activation antigen on porcine lymphocytes recognized by mAb 5A6/8. This antigen was detected on B and T cells 24 h after treatment with various stimuli. It was also found on alveolar macrophages, and at low levels on untreated monocytes.

Quantitation and comparison of anti-Gal-alpha-1,3-Gal antibodies in sera of healthy individuals and patients waiting for kidney transplantation.

Highly sensitized patients have poor prospects of being offered an allogeneic donor transplant, therefore, they could become primary candidates for xenogeneic organ transplantation. Hyperacute rejection is initiated by anti-Gal-(alpha)-1,3-Gal antibodies (xenoAb) and this rejection will have to be avoided if xenotransplantation is introduced into clinical practice. Hence, the aim of the study was to determine if sensitized patients against HLA antigens have higher titers of xenoAb than nonsensitized individuals.

Clinical transplantation: optimizing immunosuppressive treatment without compromise.

Transplant 2001, the second joint meeting of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons, was held from May 13 to 16, 2001, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.

Removal of bowel aerobic gram-negative bacteria is more effective than immunosuppression with cyclophosphamide and steroids to decrease natural alpha-galactosyl IgG antibodies.

Natural alpha-Galactosyl (Gal) antibodies play an important role in the rejection of pig xenografts by humans and Old World monkeys. In this study we investigate the efficacy of two different strategies to reduce the serum level of natural anti-Gal antibodies. On the one hand, removal of aerobic gram-negative bacteria from the intestinal flora, because anti-Gal antibodies appear to be produced as a result of the continuous sensitization by these microorganisms.