Cyclosporine combined with nonlytic interleukin 2/Fc fusion protein improves immune response to hepatitis B vaccination in a mouse skin transplantation model.

Background: Improving immune responses to vaccination in immunosuppressed patients is extremely important. Previously, we observed that cyclosporine (CsA) combined with a nonlytic interleukin (IL)-2/fragment crystallizable (Fc) fusion protein induces immune tolerance to mouse skin transplantations. In the present study, we asked whether this combination improved hepatitis B (HBV) vaccine efficacy in immunosuppressed mice while also prolonging skin graft survival.

CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells converted by rapamycin from peripheral CD4+CD25(-) naive T cells display more potent regulatory ability in vitro.

Background: Rapamycin (RAPA) is a relatively new immunosuppressant drug that functions as a serine/threonine kinase inhibitor to prevent rejection in organ transplantation. RAPA blocks activation of T-effector (Teff) cells by inhibiting the response to interleukin-2. Recently, RAPA was also shown to selectively expand the T-regulator (Treg) cell population.

[Clinical living donor liver transplantation: a report of 4 cases].

Objective: To investigate principal surgical techniques of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) .

Methods: A retrospective analysis was made in 4 cases undergoing living donor liver transplantation from Feb. 2003 to Nov.