What is the involvement of dendritic cells in the activation of recipient T cells during acute rejection of a kidney graft?
Role of Dendritic Cells in Acute Rejection
Acute rejection of a kidney graft involves the activation of recipient T cells by dendritic cells of recipient origin. This process occurs when the recipient's immune system recognizes the transplanted kidney as foreign and launches an immune response against it.
Acute rejection typically occurs within the first few weeks after kidney transplantation. During this process, recipient dendritic cells present foreign antigens from the transplanted kidney to recipient T cells. This presentation triggers the activation of T cells, leading to an immune response against the kidney graft.
Dendritic cells are crucial antigen-presenting cells in the immune system. They are responsible for capturing and presenting foreign antigens to T cells, initiating the adaptive immune response. In the context of kidney transplantation, dendritic cells play a key role in mediating acute rejection by activating recipient T cells against the transplanted organ.
Treatment for acute rejection involves the use of immunosuppressive medications to dampen the immune response and protect the kidney graft from further damage. By targeting the activation of recipient T cells by dendritic cells, healthcare providers aim to prevent rejection and promote the long-term success of kidney transplantation.