Synergistic effect of antibodies to human leukocyte antigens and defensins in pathogenesis of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome after human lung transplantation

Anti-HLA antibodies developed during the post-transplant period and α-defensins stimulated β-defensin production by epithelial cells, leading to increased cellular infiltration and inflammation. Chronic stimulation of epithelium by antibodies to MHC and resulting increased levels of defensins induce growth factor production and epithelial proliferation contributing to the development of chronic rejection after LTx.