NK cells in antibody‐mediated rejection – Key effector cells in microvascular graft damage
Megan A. O’Neill, Luis Hidalgo
Abstract
Antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) stands as the major limitation to long-term transplant outcome. The immunologic understanding of ABMR continues to progress and has identified natural killer (NK) cells as key effector cells promoting and coordinating the immune attack on the graft microvascular endothelium. This review discusses the current concepts outlining the different ways that allow for NK cell recognition of graft endothelial cells which includes antibody-dependent as well as independent processes.
Topics & Concepts
EffectorImmunologyAntibodyImmune systemEndotheliumKey (lock)BiologyMedicineInternal medicineEcologyImmune Cell Function and InteractionRenal Transplantation Outcomes and TreatmentsTransplantation: Methods and Outcomes