Role of Anti-MHC Class I Antibody in Facilitating Transplant Accommodation

The ligation of MHC class I molecules by class I antibodies on endothelial cells leads to both proliferation and survival signal transduction. This signaling pathway has been implicated in the development of acute and chronic antibody-mediated rejection. The ability of a graft to acquire resistance to immune-mediated graft injury is the basis of accommodation. The mechanisms of MHC class I-induced accommodation are unknown, but under certain circumstances following the ligation of MHC class I molecules by antibodies, the survival pathway is activated. This review explores what is currently known about accommodation and how MHC class I signaling may play a role in the process of enhancing graft survival.